Russian doll delight

Fairs are associated with distinctive sounds, aromas and colours, but if you are looking for one spot at the ongoing Muscat Festival which provides a burst of hues, the Russian stall offering matryoshka dolls at the international pavilion should be your destination.

Known by many names - nesting dolls, matryoshka dolls, babushka dolls, nested dolls, stacking dolls - the colourfully painted Russian dolls have attracted children, adults, doll enthusiasts and art collectors from across the globe for long.

The simple but deceptive concept of a set of smaller dolls nestled within larger dolls has endured not only as a popular children's toy, or a collectible decoration, but as an icon synonymous with Russian culture. And probably is one of the most popular Russian souvenirs today.

The young girl, Anna-Maria, who sportingly shows the customers the wares at her stall, tells that this is the second time that she is in Muscat. “We were here at the Festival last year as well. People are really curious about the dolls. And we sell a good number daily.”

Ranging from RO1 to RO280, one piece can contain up to 30 dolls within each other. Anna said that the paintings on the cylindrical wooden dolls vary. “From portraying the traditional portly peasant woman symbolising motherhood with her offspring nesting inside her, the theme varies and can have fairy tale characters and also Soviet leaders,” she said.

Anna added that the dolls are hand painted and usually made at homes by women supporting a large cottage industry in Russia. “Although it is the one of the most popular Russian souvenirs, its charm among the Russian society has been on the decline as electronic gadgets appeal to children more than traditional dolls.”