“GOMBE HABBA” – Curatorial Endeavors
Imitating and recreating are two crucial pillars that have been keeping traditions alive. To imitate is to create more of something already in existence. To re-create is to give new life and encouragement to something which again – is in existence. Words, whether written or oral, need to often be repeated so they are not forgotten. Visual representation has always demonstrated its effectiveness in this case; not only does it manage to keep tradition alive, but it also makes it more appealing for people of all ages and ethnicities. Festivities and celebrations ultimately serve that purpose by providing an opportunity…
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A Study on Dollatry – Introduction
Dolls have been mothers; dolls have been sons and daughters. They are also known for companionship – matrimonial or otherwise. For millennia, human beings have had relationships with dolls that are more complex than words can explain. Attempts have been made in the past, and being constantly made in the present to account all human activities that have taken place across the globe; anthropomorphic figurines have much to do with it as they have existed since Homo sapiens first learnt to create tools and make use of them. The process of learning and documentation has best been explained by Erwin…
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A Study on Dollatry – Folk Doll Communities of India
The Indian population has an unquenchable thirst for rich heritage, culture, and ethnicity; toys and dolls have contributed to this vibrant culture since the dawn of civilization. Dolls and puppets are known as putlika in Sanskrit, which comes from the words putra and putri that indicate son and daughter; hence, the term signifies as a dummy for both sons and daughters, not just the latter. Dolls of India, like dolls of any other nation, are a reflection of the way of life that its residents pursue; endless stories and beliefs have assisted the people in taking their representation steps further.…
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A Study on Dollatry – Historical Survey of Doll and Ritual
3.1. THE EARTHEN SOUL For millennia, India has been known as a ‘clay culture’. Among the many artefacts manufactured in India are terracotta images, utensils, buildings, toys and dolls. The various river valleys provide a rich supply of raw materials required for both daily needs and religious and cultural expression. Clay culture grew alongside the culture of settlement; hence, it is as old as the history of human civilization. It has been vital to the survival of the Indian people. They see it as a manifestation of ‘Mother Earth’ who is in charge of their livelihood and spiritual beliefs. As…
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A Study on Dollatry – Contemporization of Ritualistic Doll Heritage
Imitating and recreating are two crucial pillars keeping traditions alive in the contemporary era. To imitate is to create more of something already in existence. To re-create is to give new life and encouragement to something which again, is in existence. Following on from the previous chapter’s wide overview of mass-produced terracotta figures and the purpose of their repeated replication, this chapter aims to communicate a similar notion; albeit with a major shift in material culture and how it impacts the outcomes. While the figures mentioned previously required recreation time and time again, as part of a regenerative culture where…
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A Study on Dollatry – Conclusion
The focus of this dissertation was directed towards anthropomorphic figurines that closely resemble human anatomy, are freestanding, and are not larger than life size. In present society, dolls ought to be upright and have moveable heads and limbs, although those lacking these qualities were not excluded from the research. It has been challenging to identify and distinguish dolls from sculptures; nevertheless, it would be justifying stating that any anthropomorphic figurine designed for a human need and is capable of being utilised besides a non-living possession, qualifies as a doll. All of the dolls discussed in this research play a major…
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Art Theoretica 