Traditional Babushka Doll – What to Know Before You

Traditional Babushka Doll: what are they, where are they made, and who are they for? Babushka dolls consist of several dolls that fit inside each other. The best dolls are made in Russia from Linden wood, chosen for its durability and easy to carve qualities. The dolls are handmade by skilled artisans on lathes to create their distinctive shape. Great care is taken to ensure that the dolls fit comfortably inside one another. They are then hand painted before finally being coated in a non-toxic lacquer to protect and enhance the colors.

Babushka Dolls – what are they?

A traditional babushka doll is 5 – 7 inches tall, with 4-6 dolls per set, although there can be many more. There should also be a stamp on the base of the biggest doll, proving authenticity, or the artist’s signature. Originally, the dolls represented Russian peasant families, symbolizing family hierarchy, beginning with the grandmother, down to the youngest child. Nowadays, they feature many themes, including famous people, religious holidays, fairy tales and animals, such as cats, dogs, birds and safari animals.

Why authentic Babushka Dolls are better

• The internet is awash with cheaper, mass produced imitations from China.
• Authentic dolls are made from Linden wood which is durable and ideal for painting.
• Authentic dolls are hand painted by skilled artisans.
• Many imitations are made from MDF, which is compressed wood dust bound together with resin. It’s very easy to work but it’s not as durable as Linden wood and is susceptible to moisture damage.
• Other imitations are made from plywood, which is exceptionally strong, but doesn’t produce such a good finish.
• Plastic doesn’t produce as good a finish as wood, and the images fade much quicker over time.

Who are Babushka Dolls suitable for?

There is a big demand from tourists, collectors and gifts for kids. Certain items are synonymous with certain countries. For example, America is famous for many things including Hollywood, McDonalds, Apple, Microsoft, Elvis Presley and the Statue of Liberty. In the same way Russia is synonymous with ballet, freezing cold weather, the Kremlin, vodka, caviar and babushka dolls – making them popular with tourists. They are also very popular with collectors because there is such a large range to choose from.

What are the benefits of a traditional Babushka Doll?

Nowadays, it can be very hard to buy presents for kids, because we live in a material world, whereby everything is disposable. Computers, cell phones and most electronic devices have a very short shelf life and clothes don’t last very long either. However, a traditional babushka doll might be worth considering, if you’re searching for something interactive, durable, and cultural. Children need stimulation and they must learn how to play with other kids, to have the best chance in later life.