Did you know that jointed dolls were made as far back as ancient times?
Dolls have been an integral part of human culture for millennia, developing from simple religious and ritualistic figures into complex collectible items treasured by enthusiasts worldwide. Now you can get to know the development of movable dolls from ancient times to the modern era of ball-jointed dolls.
Ancient Dolls
In ancient Egypt, dolls played a significant role in both daily life and the afterlife. Wooden Egyptian dolls, dating back to around 2000 BC, were often placed in tombs to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These dolls were typically made from wood, a material that is easy to carve.
The toy shown in the picture is a figurine of a grain grinder from 1300-1200 BC, which can be moved by pulling a string. It’s also interesting to mention here animal figurines with movable parts, such as this cat that can open its mouth.
These dolls were not merely toys for children; they held deeper spiritual and symbolic meanings. The Egyptians believed that these figures could represent and provide for the deceased in the afterlife, ensuring a continuation of their earthly life and wealth. This connection between dolls and religious rituals underscores the significant role these artifacts played in ancient Egyptian society, where children's toys were often imbued with spiritual significance.
Moving to ancient Greece and Rome, we find that articulated dolls were also prevalent. Greek and Roman dolls were often made from clay, bone, and ivory. These materials allowed for more detailed craftsmanship and articulation.
Ancient Greek figures had movable limbs tied with strings to the body, which is called „nevrospaston”. These made them more lifelike and interactive and were used in various contexts, including religious rituals and as offerings to gods and goddesses. They also served as toys for little girls and many of them was found in children’s tombs.
These toy dolls, called „plaggona” were made in potteries using molds, which allowed for quicker and more uniform production. Casting and customizing is very similar to modern BJDS, however they used clay instead of resin. The liquid clay was poured into the mold, where it partially dried before being removed and fully fired. The molded dolls were refined, painted, and decorated to make them more lifelike.
These dolls could have clothing painted on their bodies and didn’t have real hair; instead, the hair was carved from the same material as the doll itself. Their appearance – much like most dolls today – reflected the fashion and beauty ideals of their time. This Greek terracotta doll from around 500 BC clearly showcases the curly, dark hair, tunic and headdress that were actually trendy during that era.
Medieval Dolls
During the medieval period, the function and form of dolls continued to evolve. One of the most notable developments was the marionette, a type of puppet that became popular in medieval Europe. Marionettes were typically made from wood and textile, and had jointed limbs controlled by strings, allowing for a wide range of movements and making them ideal for theatrical performances.Since these are not durable materials such dolls haven’t been preserved for posterity, but they appear, for example, in the illustrations of contemporary books.
Marionettes were primarily used for entertainment and theatrical purposes during both religious and secular performances. The term "marionette" itself means "little Mary," as they were often used in France to perform biblical stories related to the Virgin Mary.
The intricate movements enabled by jointed limbs allowed puppeteers to bring stories to life in an engaging manner. This use for adult entertainment reflects a significant shift from the ancient religious and ritualistic functions towards a more secular and performative role.
In medieval society, children and their toys did not receive as much attention. Moreover, their simple dolls made from cloth or clay were always modeled after infants, so there was no need to be moveable and detailed. Dolls modeled after adults, such as puppets, were more tools used by adults for storytelling and entertainment. We can see it in terms of today, this relation is still similar with BJDs and children's toy dolls. However, there are also examples of the opposite for both, consider Reborn dolls or Barbies.
The history of dolls is a testament to their enduring significance across cultures and eras. From the religious and symbolic wooden dolls of ancient Egypt to the performative marionettes of medieval Europe, these articulated figures have played diverse roles in human society. In the following we will guide you to the 19th century and continue this exciting journey until the today’s ball jointed dolls. See you soon!
Images: Cartwright, Mark. "Roman Ivory Doll." World History Encyclopedia, 06 May 2013.; Koopman, Rob. "Ancient Egyptian Toy." World History Encyclopedia, 10 Apr 2017.