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Motanka Dolls are rather complex objects that are laden with ritual and spiritual associations, meaning and beauty. The exceptional technique of creating Motanka, typical for Ukraine, Russia, Belarus & Poland, prohibits the use of sharp objects. A poke with a needle might wound doll's good nature and bring bad luck. Therefore every part is ‘sculpted out’ of fabrics and fastened, tied, and tangled together with the utmost care and precision. Each doll is a unique piece of art and one of a kind talisman!
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What is a Talisman Doll?
A talisman doll is a good luck charm that can carry powerful protection spells, as well as intentions of healing, atracting love, prosperity, fortitude and so on. A doll created in a ceremonial setting with a specific purpose is a powerful and lovely reminder of our connection with spirit, guides, ancestors, and angelic helpers. Intention plays the most important role here. Whether someone wishes to create a Voodoo doll, to harm , control or possess others, or Motanka doll, to bring peace and tranquility, is just an expression of free will. Motanka Dolls are created only with positive intention, with respect for the tradition, ancestors and mother nature.
Tradition
In many cultures, the art of doll-making is seen as a powerful way to call for protection and good fortune. A ritually made doll (created with a positive intention) acts as a guardian, guide and lucky charm, bestowing the owner with prosperity, love and wisdom. The cultural approach to doll-making has a long and fascinating history entwined in magical thinking and superstition. Guatemalan dream dolls, and Native American Kachina dolls are some examples of traditionally and ritually made dolls. Slavic Motanka dolls have been an obscure tradition kept as a pass time activity, until in the last decade their powerful message of good wishes reawakened a new interest and garnered lots of enthusiasts amongst artist, therapists and folklorist.
Motanka has many different uses and purposes. Some dolls are created as talismans, or gifts, some just for fun. Some were made out of mother's gown that carried her scent, and offered to a newborn, so the baby would sense mom’s presence and feel secure, and since the doll was made with soft fabrics, it was also baby’s first comfort toy as well.
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Making a doll was also an excuse to gather and spend time in a meaningful way. Women would sit together in the evenings and create dolls while telling tells, old stories and myths, often to teach youngsters about the way of life or to scare them a little to protect them from foolish behavior. Baba Yaga stories served just such a purpose.
So many different Dolls!
herbal DOLL
Zielarka
INVOKED FOR
wholeness, wellness, healing, magic
The language of herbs is a lovely way to create a personalized gift that expresses our well wishes and hope for healing and it can be a gentle reminder for yourself of qualities you want to cultivate in yourself, your home, work and sacred space. Herbal Doll is filled with plethora of herbs, and can be placed on an altar kept around for healing and protection.
grain DOLL
Ziarnuszka
INVOKED FOR
abundance, good luck, wealth, health
Grain Doll is created with the intention of attracting abundance, prosperity, wealth, and fortitude.
She can be placed on an altar or in the kitchen as a good luck talisman. Grains are traditionally considered to be a symbol of hope for the future. In many myths and legends, grain is seen as a gift from the gods and a symbol of fertility and growth and was used in ceremonial rituals and offerings. Grain Doll often comes with her male counterpart, Bogacz, which means the Rich Dude :).
quest doll
Zadanica
INVOKED FOR
mission impossible, manifestation, dreams to come true
MotankaQuest Doll is on a mission to bring whatever is needed for you at this moment. She has a specific task to do, a job to accomplish, and you are the one who tells her what is that you want. She is like a force behind the law of attraction, her mission is to support your dream, provide you with insights and guidance, direction and inspired actions. With her help your dreams and wishes will come true.
Mother
Rodzicielka
INVOKED FOR
Protection of home and family
The Mother Motanka is created with an intention of providing protection for the household, children, cats, dogs, anyone who is living under the same roof with you. She is often made with a few babies attached to her belt. She is busy keeping the house clean, organized, and protected from external unwelcomed influences.
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the lovers
Nierozłaczki
INVOKED FOR
lovers, married couples, often gifted to newlyweds, to attract lasting relationship
Two dolls are connected with one hand, this is a union that keeps them together for ever, and assures a common vision, dreams, hopes and wishes for the future. This is a great good luck charm often offered to newlyweds, but can be also created to invite into our lives fantastic business partners, friends and opportunities.
Nourishing doll
Karmicielka
INVOKED FOR
Abundance, Proseprity
Nourishing Doll has boobs, her special feature that pertains to prosperity, vitality, and wealthy living. She symbolizes cornucopia of plenty, she is able to give with no end.
Ten-handed
Dziesięciorączka
INVOKDE FOR
Getting things done when you have more on your plate than you can handle
This Motanka has 10 hands! She used to be created by young women to show off all their skills, and to emphasize their talents at multitasking. Each hand represents a different talent. Nowadays this doll is a great helper in keeping organized, focused and capable to get things done, even when we feel overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities.
traveler
Podrózniczka
INVOKDE FOR
Safe travels, attracting journeys
The Traveler Motanka (Podrozniczka) was traditionally offered as a talismanic protection during travels, business trips, and long voyages. She was created with the intention of a safe and sound return home. Women offered such dolls to their beloved and imbued them with lovely herbs and decorated them with beautiful embroidery, to bestow protection from all dangers and temptations.
Today, I crate my Traveler Motanka Dolls not only for protection during travels short and long, but to attract the opportunity to explore and call on an adventure! This doll is here to help you organize a romantic getaway, protect you in your daily commute, and attract a journey of a lifetime. You can place her on your altar to connect with the spirit of feminine wisdom, or take her along as a companion in your adventures.
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BABA YAGA
Baba Yaga
INVOKDE FOR
Wild woman awakening
Baba Yaga is a one-of-a-kind Motanka with supernatural nose, and she comes with a special message of female empowerment and independence. Baba Yaga appears in many Slavic folk tales and is usually depicted as a terrifying old hag, who flies around in a cauldron, lives in a house on a mobile chicken leg, and eats children for dinner. When we get to know her better, we can recognize in this ambiguous figure a wild woman of the woods, an empowered feminine nature, who disrupts the ordinary order of things and brings about transformation. She challenges conventional wisdom and pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, leading to personal growth and self-acceptance.
She can help you find a way to wholeness as a wild woman. Her role is to reconnect you with your primal, natural and instinctual female spirit, bring you back to Mother Earth, and rebuild your relationship with the wildest aspects of self. Whether you admit it or not, you have a wildness in your soul that needs to be reconciled with, and expressed. It is your choice weather you express it creatively or destructively.
