I would love to de-mystify my dolls, because they are simply art, or a craft, why place a tag on them, yet, they are mystical and rooted in old traditions, so here I go again, exploring their meaning, if you have a little time read on:
My little art dolls seem to evoke memories in people, yet I am left with the task to define their meaning in ways that they may be understood for what they are...this is not easy to do in two words or even a short conversation. The dolls are tangible, yet, I call them spirits, they are out there for sale, yet, this is a form of meditation, even tho they all look like a wrap of twigs or a bundle of found objects with a little face, to me, they have a soul, a gentle spirit that opens up in me a sense of wonderment and it evolves on its own once I get started. I look up at my wall and see dozens of little critters, who remind me to keep on trusting in my creative spirit, no matter how crazy it gets out there, how much scarcity thinking, there is beauty even in discarded items, we all can turn trash into art and bring out some beauty and wonderment during hard times. That is why I encourage my clients to make their own.
I have done research on ancient traditions from many parts of the world where small images were made and used as "power tools" and amulets left in burial sites. I believe we all carry these spiritual seeds or soul level memories planted by others long ago. This creative Spirit that moves within and shapes our lives, brings forth images of days gone by that come awake and alive in one form or another through art.
Long ago during the Paleolithic period it was necessary for people to make small (portable) figurines or decorative objects which were carved from bone, stone or antler. Numina images...that is what I call my Numen Art Dolls. In my native Mexico they are still finding new sites full of these little figurines made of clay and stone. In some places the Indians teach their children to make their dolls from corn husks and twigs wrapped with rags, the same way as my Nana did with me when I was a kid (mine were for play but she would make skull dolls for her Dia de los Muertos altar)
In the old traditions these little totem-fetishes were molded mostly with clay, stone, coral, jade and other semiprecious stones, a few have been found made of metal. They were small figurines of animals and human forms, little goddesses, detailed female shapes, ancient Venus like forms. They often served as symbols of protection in some form of ritualistic or magical purposes. They all seemed to be helpers to the main concerns of Stone Age peoples for food (hunting and harvest) or fertility, and to gain some kind of control over their environment.
In ancient religions, the numen was a divine protector spirit or force which was anonymous. Although it was not known as a person, its power and presence was felt, usually, it was regarded as being attached to some place or object, like a tree, or a large rock.
If people ask me why do I make art dolls...my answer is always the same...because it fills my soul with gratitude and peace, because there was a time when I had nothing in me but fear and panic and they came to my rescue, because they help me to heal. Because they are charming and easy to make and I can send them out into the world as little messengers of love and peace.
I am sure my dolls serve mainly as decoration to some of my collectors, but for others they are symbolic of magic and good will...quite simply, they are great helpers, like an image of an angel by your front door or besides your bed.
I like to believe each one of my little dolls finds its own way home charged with good energy and full of creativity, they may serve as a focal point for meditation, a mandala or a feng shui remedy, my intention is to share with others a little miracle which is still working its magic in me.
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