In Mexico, there is evidence of dolls in pre-Hispanic dolls. Some of these ancient Mexican dolls continue to be produced today.
Currently, there are a variety of dolls made in Mexico, traditional dolls and updated designs. Many of indigenous ethnic groups in Mexico elaborate traditional dolls. Dolls are also handcrafted that resulted from a mesh of post-Colonial Spanish culture in Mexico.
We share some of the best known traditional Mexican dolls.
1. Chiapaneca quitapenas Dolls
Chiapaneca quitapenas dolls are mini dolls made of fabric filled with cotton. Their seams are detailed. They originate from the indigenous Tseltales and Tzotzil. Traditionally, they are used as the quitapenas doll, to which, it is customary to whisper worries, as she absorbs them, and may even reverse them.
Photo credit: aplenosol-silvia.blogspot.com
2. Cloth (Rag) Dolls
Cloth (Rag) dolls are made mainly of fabric. They are made by hand, and usually their filling is of pieces of the same fabric. In almost every state of Mexico you can find a different type of rag doll, usually with regional traditional costume.
3. Corn Husk Dolls
Dolls made from corn husk are traditionally made in Mexico.
These dolls date back to colonial Mexico. Artists use large amounts of material to elaborate a doll.
Natural pigmentation was traditionally used.
Photo credit: i.pinimg.com
4. Dönxu Dolls
Dönxu means doll in Otomí. The doll carries a baby on its lap, which represents fertility and love for their own. Blanket fabric is used as a base, then filled with cotton to give structure to the body of the doll.
The face is carefully embroidered. It has a pleasant smile on his face, and small, slanted eyes. The hair is made with black yarn that is braided and adorned with brightly colored ribbons. Although, the vestment is the same, different designs and shades are used in the long-sleeved blouses with high collar and long silk skirts.
Dönxu dolls come in a wide variety; big, small, with embroidery of all colors, braids, different hairstyles, and hats.
The Dönxu Doll was one of the first dolls that emerged within the Otomí community of San Ildefonso in the state of Querétaro. Along with the Lele Doll, the Dönxu Doll was declared Cultural Heritage in 2018. The Dönxu Doll is considered a proud Mexican symbol.
Dönxu Dolls. Photo by Diario Querétaro.
5. Huichol Dolls
The Huichol doll is made of plastic. It is small. Its clothing is detailed and true to traditional Wixárika (Huichol) vestment.
6. Lele (also known as Otomi or Maria) Dolls
The Lele doll is known by various names, Otomi, Maria, Lele doll. It is made of fabric. This doll comes in many different sizes, with a variety of dress colors. The dress carries flowers of Otomi design. The color of the skin is usually pink fabric. The eyes are large. The body transmits a tender image.The vestment is meticulous and beautiful.
The Lele doll is one of the most famous cloth dolls in Mexico. It originates in the state of Queretaro, elaborated by Mazahua women.
This doll is a favorite in Mexico. In Mexico, children continue to enjoy this doll.
The Lele doll is known by various names, Otomi, Maria, Lele doll.
The Lele doll has been declared cultural heritage of the state of Queretaro.
7. Lupita Dolls
Cardboard “Lupita” dolls have existed in Mexico for more than 200 years. There are records of their early production in the cities of Celaya, Guanajuato, and Mexico City. They are made from papier-mâché and hand painted.
8. Pame Dolls
The Pame Doll is one of the oldest in Mexico. It is made of palm, and its hair of corn hairs. It continues to be elaborated in the states of San Luis Potosí and Querétaro (especially in the Sierra Gorda region). Pame dolls have been found in archaeological remains, still preserved.
Photo credit: Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares
9. Tarahumara Dolls
These dolls are made from wood. They wear traditional rarámuri clothing. They are simple, colorful, and delightful.
Photo credit: eCrater.com
Artisans that create Mexican dolls
There are various artisans in Mexico who elaborate dolls by hand and from various materials.
In the community of San Ildefonso, Amealco, in the state of Queretaro, local families are integrated to consolidate their craftmanship of elaborating the Dönxu Doll. It is a tradition and heritage and is the identity of the region.
Blanca Molina designs about fifty different kinds of dolls each year. She makes about 200 that are generally sold in specialty stores.
Ana Karen Allende is a doll maker in Mexico City. Popular items are male and female lucha libre wrestlers, alues, chaneques, calacas, and Mayan guardian figures.
Carolina Esparragoza heads the Miss Lupita project and holds workshops and other events in order to revive the tradition of making the dolls in Mexico City.
Author: AllMexico.store
Lela Doll designs can be found here: Mercaideas