Among the many souvenirs sold in the markets of Mexico, you will always recognize Maria — a rag doll with a large head decorated with ribbons and a bright dress. It would seem that Maria — just a doll. But Maria — It is also a work of traditional Mexican folk craft, which has its own history going back centuries.
In ancient times, figurines were usually made not for children's games, but for various rituals. More at the beginning of the first millennium, before the Aztecs, small clay dolls with movable arms and legs were made in Mexico. The tradition has reached our days among various indigenous peoples in the states of Chiapas, Jalisco, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Guerrero, where dolls are still made from fabric or clay.
The production of rag dolls in Mexico reached its peak in the 19th century, and then began to decline — handicraft toy production was replaced by machines. The materials also changed. What was previously labor-intensive or expensive has become accessible to all segments of the population. And today, not every mother will make a doll for her daughter with her own hands.
But crafts are not dead. Until now, representatives of Indian peoples make dolls by hand. The creators spend hours with thread, needle and pieces of fabric to bring to life yet another expression of their own cultural identity. The methods by which dolls are created depend on the style of the authors, and therefore dolls vary from one artist to another.
Although the style of the rag doll has adapted to modern changes in clothing and hairstyle, the value of the real Mary doll is that its creators remain true to the old ways of sewing and the memories of the dolls their mothers or grandmothers made for them.
Maria appeared in the states of Michoacan and Mexico City. They were used by Masahuan women for their children as an alternative to the expensive porcelain dolls from Spain that were sold in markets in the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Over time, Masaua dolls acquired the appearance of their creators and became their real reflection - the same ribbons in black braids and bright dresses.
In the mid-20th century, as a result of the industrialization of the country and changes in land use, mass migration of the rural population to the cities began. Women in traditional costumes, people from nearby states, appeared on the streets of Mexico City. They usually sold fruits or cheap groceries. These street saleswomen are around Mariami. Their bright outfits, which caught the eye, were very similar to the costumes of dolls. So the dolls also began to be called Marias.
The dolls became popular with tourists and sold well. The practice of making them by hand began to spread to other states, where the dolls acquired their own characteristics. In the north, dolls of the Guarigio style became characteristic, reflecting the features of the traditional costumes of this people - in colorful fabrics with flowers, lace stripes, neckerchiefs and even black stockings. In the state of Guanajuato, dolls are made from papier-mâché and are called Lupitas. Their painted outfits are decorated with floral and geometric designs. In Querétaro, fromomi dolls are very popular, also rag, but fromomi differ in their own proportions of body parts and colors of dresses.
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The Maria doll is a true embodiment of the Mexican spirit and culture, as well as a personal souvenir of Mexico. Dolls are made according to a specific pattern. Main material — poplin, which is hand-stitched and filled with coarse wool. The limbs are tied so that the arms and legs can change position. The outfit consists of cotton fabric of different colors, called kambaya, decorated with lace. The nose, pfrom and eyes of the doll — These are glued pieces of velvet. Hair — made of thick woolen threads, woven into braids and decorated with multi-colored ribbons.
Maria can be up to 45 cm in size, but the most popular are dolls with a height of about 14 cm. Based on the size, type and quality, the price of a doll also varies. In general, the cost of Maria is very low, and this also attracts travelers.
Marias are sold in a variety of places. They can be found in airports and expensive souvenir shops. They can be found on the streets and bazaars, where Indian women themselves set up impromptu trading points. Abroad you will also meet Maria — There it is made by Mexican migrants, and it is also sold in souvenir shops.
Despite industrialization, the Maria doll continues to retain its charming image, the Mexican authenticity captured in its outfit. The former cultural and social meaning continues to be preserved in her silent smile, in the many colorful ribbons woven into her braids.