Description One of the most ancient handmade items, the name “Motanka”, means that everything is wound or spun. Therefore needles are not necessary. In Ukrainian culture that were initially fashioned as a domestic symbol of fertility. They played an important role in the everyday life. The dolls are amulets, guardians, symbols of wisdom, protection, and healing, They safeguarded one from evil spirits and ghosts. The faces are left blank, coming from the belief that if the Motanka had any facial features, it may become attached to the soul of the person handling it. A cross was wrapped around the head of the doll which symbolized the sun and good fortune. The dolls could also be made of natural materials such as hay, straw, wood, dry leaves, grains, seeds and are sometimes filled with fragrant herbs. The clothing may be put together with needle and thread, and decorated with embroidery. But the doll itself is made without the use of needle and thread by winding fabric. Using a needle to make the doll may result in both good and evil thoughts and intentions being sewn up inside. It’s clothes are symbolic: the skirt represents the earth; the shirt – past, present and future; headdress – cap, ribbon or scarf – connection with the sky. Handmade in Ukraine from colourful traditional woven fabric, yarn, and ribbon
