What are dolls?

Do you know what a dolly is? It is a model of a human being and is mostly used as toys for children. The history of dolls dates back to ancient civilizations of Greece, Egypt and Rome. In 100 AD dolls were documented as having been used in Greece. Unlike modern dolls traditional dolls were made of clay, bones, wax, ivory, leather and wood all over the world, from Africa, Asia, America and Europe.

Modern dolls are said to have originated from Germany with the advent of industrialization where porcelain and plastic were produced in abundance. In the past dolls were used for magic and religious rituals or represented god. Although mostly referred to as children plaything, dolls are also kept by adults for financial value or simply for remembrance. They may also be used as beauty items .If you go supermarkets you will find dolls with clothes on display. In hospitals dolls are used to teach medical students on the various parts of the human body. Some people have doll toys in their living and bedrooms for beauty purposes. When you go to museums you may also find toys for show purposes. Others buy toys to help their children play and enjoy themselves.

Some people have a natural fear of dolls and we call them pediophobiacs. Doll toys can be customised to represent many things for example a baby, a man or a woman. Dolls all around the world are a clear reflection of culture and ways of life. In regard to the development of our children dolls are very important. They help improve the social skills of our children as well as provide some attachment. They also help provide joy and entertainment to the children. Dolls have a good history in the development of social relationships and perhaps that is why our children must always own dollies.