Dolls: History and Materials
A doll is typically a model of a human used as a toy for children. Dolls have also been used in traditional religious rituals globally. Traditional dolls of clay and wood are found worldwide. The earliest documented dolls date back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Dolls heads are made of porcelain and attached to bodies of leather, cloth, wood or composite. When plastics were invented in the 20th century, they started being used for toys. The earliest materials were rubber and celluloid. From the mid-20th century, soft vinyl became dominant, particularly for children’s dolls.
From the 14th century, French craftsmen made fashion dolls, undoubtedly securing France’s status. Exquisite porcelain dolls showed the latest trends. While expensive fashion dolls were displayed, cheaper and simpler dolls were playable.
Raw Materials for Dolls
What material are dolls made of?
Dolls heads are made of porcelain and attached to bodies of leather, cloth, wood or composite. From the 14th century, French craftsmen made fashion dolls, undoubtedly securing France’s status. Exquisite porcelain dolls showed the latest trends.
While expensive fashion dolls were displayed, cheaper and simpler dolls were playable. The earliest dolls were made from available materials like clay, stone, wood, bone, ivory, leather or wax. Archaeological evidence places dolls as the oldest known toy.
Wooden paddle dolls were in Egyptian tombs from the 21st century BC. Dolls made from corn were often used in harvest celebrations. As cultures evolved, dolls became more elaborate.