KHANTY DOLL AKAN. Master class by Lydia Evstafyevna Zvyagintseva (masters of folk dolls)

April 12, 18:00 and
April 18 15:00

Now children mainly play modern dolls, games, and we, adults, are puzzled by the fact that the young modern generation is gradually losing the unique history, culture and traditions of its people, preserved for centuries. And, the doll, in particular, is a particle of our history and culture. Dolls of the Nenets, Khanty, Mansi, Selkups and Komi have similarities, but each has its own distinctive features.

"Akan" is a Khanty doll. Such home-made dolls made of fine fabric, cloth or fur were played and are played by children of the Khanty peoples living in the Khanty-Mansiysk District. The first doll was made by a mother or grandmother, sometimes an older sister. Growing up, the girl sewed them herself, decorating them with ornaments, like adult clothes. It is not customary to make eyes, nose, mouth on the face of Akan, since such dolls were considered sacred and, according to legend, evil spirits could infuse them. Together with the little mistress, the Akan doll went to the summer village, to the reindeer herding camp, to the fishing camp - sands, for the holidays. Dolls were given to their relatives and they themselves received them as a gift.

With the advent of modern dolls, the Khanty began to forget their traditional toys. The Akan doll is a symbol of femininity, weakness and defenselessness. Toys instilled in children useful skills that would be useful to them in their future adulthood.

At the master class, you will learn how to make an Akan doll yourself.