The History of Dolls: From Ancient to Modern Times
Dolls have been cherished by children throughout history, representing a world of imagination, storytelling, and cultural exploration. Their evolutions offer glimpses into the cultures and evolving traditions of our world.
Ancient and modern Greek Plagona dolls
Ancient Beginnings
The concept of the doll dates back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples originating in ancient civilizations. They were used in a wide range of ways including simple playthings, religious idols, or tools for preparing children for adulthood.
In ancient Greece, the Plagona doll was among the most popular children’s toys, as they are commonly found in archaeological excavations. They were crafted from materials such as terra cotta, ivory, and wood and often featured elaborate hairstyles and clothed in hand-drawn or fabric garments. Some even had articulating limbs, which most experts agree is the most important criteria for labeling a figure as a toy. The origins and purposes of Plagona doll remains shrouded in historical mystery, yet prevailing belief suggests they played roles in religious rites and in preparing young girls for their transition into adulthood. The Plagona dolls from Remembered Toys are handmade from Greece and made to resemble those from antiquity, providing children with an authentic connection to ancient history.
Ancient Egyptian dolls, crafted from materials like clay, wood, or stone, provide captivating insights into the culture of long-standing civilizations along the Nile River. These versatile dolls held various roles, including religious and even magical functions, possibly as talismans or fertility symbols. Some even embodied societal norms and fashion, wearing miniature versions of clothing and jewelry.
Paddle dolls, like the one below from the Met Museum, featured flat wooden bodies adorned with intricate patterns and jewelry. Beyond their aesthetic, these figures possessed deeper significance, with their keyhole-shaped forms used as musical instruments in religious rites to appease deities. Some theories propose these dolls were accessories used by troupes of singers and dancers in religious ceremonies to honor the goddess Hathor.
Egyptian paddle doll dating back to 2030–1802 B.C.
The Spread of Dolls Across Cultures
As trade and cultural exchange flourished over time, dolls began to take on different forms and characteristics across cultures. In India, intricate wooden dolls were used to depict characters from ancient epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Kokeshi Dolls emerged as a folk craft in the mountainous hot spring villages of Japan towards the conclusion of the Edo period (1603-1868 CE). Over time, Kokeshi doll-making evolved into a unique art form, with various regional styles emerging, each characterized by distinctive shapes, colors, and patterns. While traditional Kokeshi dolls typically feature a cylindrical, limbless design, modern iterations have expanded to encompass an even wider array of styles, often commemorating special occasions, historical figures, or popular icons.
During the Renaissance in Europe, porcelain dolls experienced a surge in popularity among the elite. These dolls served as both cherished playthings and status symbols for the wealthy as they were crafted from costly porcelain and adorned with luxurious fabrics. The French royal court would even ship them fully decked out in the latest styles so aristocracy in other countries could copy them for their closets. Essentially, they were the Victorean era version of flipping through Vogue.
Barbie was the first mass-produced toy doll in America with adult characteristics
Barbie and The First Doll For Boys
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of the toy company Mattel, and named after her daughter, Barbara. The idea for Barbie came to Handler when she noticed her daughter giving adult roles to her paper dolls. Barbie made her debut in 1959 at the American International Toy Fair. With over 350,000 dolls sold during her first year, Barbie’s success inspired a few people in the toy industry to consider something previously unheard of - selling a doll to boys.
One of those inspired people was Stan Weston, who dreamed up a military themed barbie-sized doll for boys. Weston brought his concept to toy manufacturer Hassenfeld Brothers (who later shortened the name to Hasbro). The G.I. Joe line debuted in 1964 and instantly won over a generation of boys eager to stage their own adventures. By 1965 over 2 million Joes had sold and the G.I. Joe fan club had over 150,000 members.
Christie, one of the first Black Barbie dolls, had black hair, though it faded red over time.
The Rise of Diverse Dolls
The mid-20th century marked a turning point for doll diversity as social awareness and civil rights movements gained momentum. Toy manufacturers were pushed to create more diverse dolls in their products, showcasing a broader range of cultures.
One significant milestone was the introduction of the "Black Doll Test" in the 1940s and 1950s, which highlighted the psychological impact of racial segregation on African American children. This led to increased efforts to produce black dolls that were more representative of African American culture. As a result, companies like Madame Alexander and Ideal introduced popular black dolls such as Cissy and Patti Playpal.
Mattel introduced diverse dolls to the Barbie line in the late 20th century. This included dolls of different ethnicities, hair types, and body shapes. Their first African American doll was released in 1968. Her name was Christie and she was portrayed as one of Barbie's close friends. In a landmark moment in 1980, Mattel introduced the first African American and Hispanic dolls to bear the name Barbie, further expanding the brand's inclusivity.
This Black British doll, dressed in vibrant 100% cotton African wax print—a fabric iconic to West African fashion—captures cultural richness.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
The history of dolls is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of our societies. From their ancient origins to the present day, they have reflected the changing attitudes towards social norms, diversity, and inclusion. As we move forward, it is essential to continue advocating for diversity and representation in the toy industry. Ethnic dolls, like this Black British doll, not only provide children with a richer understanding of the world but also contribute to building a more inclusive and accepting society where every child can see themselves represented in the toys they play with.
Maria Dolls are vibrant figures representing traditional Mexican culture and artistry
Gift Timeless Dolls From Around the World
Remembered Toys offers a unique collection of authentic, diverse dolls from around the world. Handmade by skilled artisans, these dolls reflect their cultural origins and help kids explore and appreciate world history and diverse cultures.
