Before Barbie: A Look At History's Oldest Dolls

I think it's probably evident to fans of my arty adventures that I really like dolls. So what better way to share my passion with you all by giving you a fun, informative blog about their long, colourful history. Why the hell are dolls so popular and where did they come from?

Dolls are so ingrained into our society that practically every household owns a doll in some form or another. These small human or humanoid-shaped models are the oldest known toy, with archaeologists finding figures dating back as far as the 21stcentury BC. These sweet little toys have been enjoyed by children throughout time, though traditional dolls were far from the plastic and porcelain ones we see today.

Most dolls from ancient cultures were crude pieces made from materials such as clay, wood, leather, wax, bone, ivory, or stone. These dolls were often made as children's toys, but dolls were also used in magic and ritual, and these models were usually much more elaborate. Let's take a look at some of the earliest forms of this cherished today.

ANCIENT EGYPTIANS

Some of the earliest dolls found are the Paddle Dolls of Ancient Egypt, which were made from carved wood and straw, and resembled a ping pong bat. They were used by children and as effigies in rituals.

ANCIENT GREEKS

Ancient Greeks loved their dolls, so much so that they made them poseable. Dolls with moveable limbs and removable clothing have been found dating back to 200BC. Archaeologists have found clay dolls with moving hip and shoulder joints and have found evidence to suggest huge popularity in cloth and rag dolls, though no examples have survived.

ROMANS

Roman's absolutely loved dolls and they were a favourite toy for little girls but were enjoyed by all children. They also had an early form of a jointed doll, and they constructed the toys from clay, wood, or ivory. Much like today's Barbie dolls, little Roman children enjoyed dressing their dolls in the latest fashions. In both Ancient Greece and Rome, children gave their toys up when they came of age. Boys were required to dedicate their toys to the Gods when they reach puberty, and girls to the Goddesses once they got married.

INUIT

Inuit children played with dolls carved from bone or soapstone and dressed in skins and furs.

FRENCH

France had elaborately clothed 'fashion' dolls made from clay and wood as early as the 16th century.

AFRICAN

Africa has a rich history when it comes to dolls, with their dolls being entwined as both children's toys and ritual items. Dolls were lovingly made from clay, wood, and cloth and often had protection spells cast on them before giving them to children. The doll's outfits were often dressed in unique tribal clothing and were used to educate and entertain children and were frequently handed down from mother to child as precious keepsakes.

RUSSIAN

Russia is known for its beautiful nesting dolls called Matryoshka Dolls. They are carved from wood and hand-painted in traditional peasant outfits. The first set was made in 1890.

ITALIAN

Dolls became really popular during the 15th century when detailed dolls were made annually for nativity scenes.

JAPANESE

Japan has been making dolls as far back as 8000BC and they were used in many religious settings to act as charms or effigies. Japan has many different unique doll styles, such as Hina Dolls. These dolls are made from straw and wood, hand-painted, and dressed in many layers of beautiful fabric. They are displayed throughout the country during the Hinamatsuri festival.

IRANIAN

People in Iran loved telling stories, so it's hardly a surprise that Iran favoured puppets. In a society with strict rules and traditions, puppets could break rules and do things that human citizens could not do.

ENGLISH

England favoured cloth, wood and wax dolls until better materials were available. Most dolls had brown eyes, until the Victorian Era when blue-eyed dolls became popular thanks to Queen Victoria.

NATIVE AMERICAN

Native American's have many dolls and each one differs from tribe to tribe. They have mostly used dolls as charmed toys, with spells for protection and abundance cast on them. The most popular toy dolls were Apple dolls - a head was carved into a fresh apple before drying the fruit out. They also were a large part of traditional rituals. Cottonwood Hopi Kachina dolls were believed to embody spirits and were treasured and studied to learn about the spirits within. Corn Dolls made from dried cobs and husk were also very popular and symbolic of a good harvest. Early American settlers also adopted these dolls, alongside their cloth and rag dolls.

DUTCH

Dolls were a popular choice for Dutch children during the 16th century, the most popular being crudely made wood or clay figures. This is due to the materials being cheap and easy to make so that even poorer children could have a toy.

GERMAN

Germany made dolls from wood and cloth, until the Industrial age where new materials like porcelain, bisque and plastic became available. Germany then became the birthplace of modern dolls, producing hundreds of poseable, painted dolls with more realistic features.

By the time the 20th century rolled around, dolls were no longer just for children! There are now thousands of styles of dolls and many are collectable pieces that are treasured by people of all ages.