The history of Motanka, a traditional Ukrainian guardian doll
Motankas (Мотанка) are ancient Ukrainian family talismans. They are the symbol of prosperity, goodness and hope. Then first knotted dolls appeared about 5,000 years ago, and represented the unity of the family and deep connection between multiple generations.
The name "motanka" comes from the word “motaty” (to wind) ie to make a knotted doll out of fabric, without using a needle and scissors. Motanka served as a talisman of human destiny and our ancestors believed that destiny cannot be pierced or cut. Generally dolls were in the shape of a human figure, usually a woman or a child, and were made from pieces of fabric from old clothes of family members connected by knots.
Each doll was unique and made with only good intentions and sincerity as it was believed that it has power and will act as a protector of a household and it’s inhabitants.
Motankas differ from ordinary dolls by "empty" faces. Our ancestors believed that giving the doll a face could tie a person's soul to it. Therefore faces have no facial features and instead the Motanka dolls have multicoloured threads laid out in a cross shape across the face instead. The cross is a pagan symbol of the Sun where horizontal lines meant feminine, and vertical - masculine.
You have sent us collective strength via social networks.
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A nice story behind the idea
Since we published a post on Linkedin to thank our colleague Ihor for the souvenir he sent us from Ukraine, we have received throughout these weeks, many messages asking where to buy these nice dolls and if there was any charity campaign.
This gave us the energy to finally start a project we had in mind for many months:
To launch a fundraising campaign to help all the families affected by the Ukrainian War.
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Faced with good initiatives, we can only act
To do this, we have asked our partner Ihor, Ukrainian native and resident to make us a total of 75 different dolls, and allocate them to this cause.
Each doll is approximately 28 centimeters high and 10 centimeters wide, and can be purchased for a minimum donation of 50 euros.
However, you can donate a higher amount if you want, TECHXONN will be in charge of collecting all the funds and donate 100% of the benefits here:
https://u24.gov.ua (Official fundraising platform of ukraine)
(The only costs that will be paid with these donations are those related to the manufacturing and shipping of the Motanka to Spain).
Many hours of manual labor for hope
- The process of making such dolls is called “kutannya” or swaddling as it is very similar to swaddling a baby. Motankas were made by women using the lunar calendar. On the full moon the doll was created for protection; on the descending moon- to protect from diseases and failures; Motankas made during the ascending moon were for achieving a good result in any business.
- Additionally, it was forbidden to make dolls on Friday and Sunday, because these days belong to the goddess of women's diligence and needlework, Makosha. A doll had to be made in one day using natural fabrics and threads. The winding of the doll was to be carried out only clockwise, always accompanied by positive thoughts.
- During the Soviet times, traditions associated with making Motanka dolls were somewhat lost. However, more recently these dolls have made a come back and many households in Ukraine and overseas have acquired Motanka dolls as traditional Ukrainian oberihs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the costs of the campaign and how much do I contribute with 50€ (euro)?
The cost of manufacture and transport to Spain is around 15€ per doll. Then we will have to add the cost of shipping to your home or office. We estimate another 10€. That makes a total cost of 25€.
So with 50€, you are contributing around 25€ to United24.
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When will I receive the Montaka?
Since it is a completely manual process, it takes about 1.5 months to manufacture 75 dolls. On top of that, you have to add the shipping time.
So we expect to be able to ship the dolls every 2 months.
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Do you send the dolls outside Spain?
Initially, we have thought of sending the dolls only throughout the Spanish territory, however, if even if you live outside our country, you want to collaborate with the campaign, write us an email and we will evaluate in each case, the feasibility of international shipments.
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If the stock runs out, how long will I have to wait to receive it?
We receive orders every 1.5 months, so in case of out of stock or any other inconvenience, we will contact you to let you know when you will receive it.