 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
RUSSIA - KIDS PAGE - COLORING BOOK
MATROYSHKA
Russian wooden dolls within smaller dolls were called Matryoshka. The first Russian Matroyshka appeared only at the end of the 19th century and was greatly acclaimed as one of the all-embracing symbols of Russian folk art.
In provincial Russia before the revolution the name Matryona or Matryosha was a very popular female name. It was derived from the Latin root 'mater' that means 'mother'. This name was associated with the image of a mother of a big family who was very healthy and had a portly figure. Subsequently, it became a symbolic name and was used specially to describe brightly painted wooden dolls made in such a way that they could be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another.
Even now Matryoshka is considered to be a symbol of motherhood and fertility. A mother doll with numerous doll-children perfectly expresses the oldest symbol of human culture.
The basic technique of matroyshka making remains unchanged and as a rule is typically made from lime, birch, alder and aspen. Making a doll on a turning lathe requires much skill and precision in working with the smallest of knives and chisels.
Kids Culture Center
P.O. Box 2433
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 877-4007
info@kidsculturecenter.comTerms of Use / Privacy Policy
Copyright 2002-2004 Kids Culture Center
