Significant Figures - Motanka

From my project based on traditional dolls and figures from around the world, this illustration is inspired by Ukrainian motanka dolls.

Motanka dolls are created by winding and tying cloth. The absence of the human features in the dolls’ faces is meaningful - a cross or ribbon is used in the place of the face, symbolic of the sun. It’s believed that this sign keeps positive energy inside the doll. Motankas were traditionally part of the rituals of life and community, representing female wisdom, fertility and family ties.

© Zara Picken 2014 www.zaraillustrates.com