Motanka - Traditional Ukrainian Doll - Workshop

Nataliya Chabanyuk leads a workshop where participants will learn about the ancient craft of Ukrainian doll making.

According to historians, Motanka dolls appeared in Ukraine several thousand years ago, dating back to ancient Trypillia times. Ukrainian ancestors believed that natural threads and materials used to create these dolls were magical and protected the family from evil spirits. The Motanka doll is faceless; the cross symbolizes the unity, four cardinal points, four seasons, and the sun. The doll is an amulet, so it cannot have a human appearance, protects its owner(s), and brings fertility to the homestead. These dolls are usually made of the natural materials such as hay, straw, wood, herbs, dry leaves, grains, seeds and are filled with fragrant herbs and decorated with traditional ornaments and embroidery. Today, Motanka dolls have became a popular gift idea for various holidays and weddings, baby showers, engagements, and even funerals. The wedding Motanka doll helps brides turn away the evil eye and supports them during their marriage. At the birth of a child, relatives often offer a Motanka doll that lies in the child’s bed in order to protect the newborn’s sleep and health. This workshop is expected to stimulate intercultural dialogue, as many other ethnic groups have a similar cultural practices.

Videographer - Platon Boiko