Waldorf doll
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As Waldorfpuppen be dolls and doll similar representations referred to in accordance with the teachings of Steiner and the Waldorf be prepared and used. Accordingly, Waldorf dolls are often found in Waldorf schools and kindergartens, but also increasingly in conventional institutions.
Types
The range of Waldorf dolls is large. Not only the classic doll, but many other figures are understood under the umbrella term of the Waldorf doll. Here are some examples:
- First-time dolls for toddlers with a firmly sewn sleeping bag and pointed hat, mostly made of velvet fabric, filled with sheep's wool
- Schlamperle (the body consists of a solid suit, a kind of overall, made of velvet or velvet, but which cannot be taken off)
- Doll baby in various sizes
- Doll child in various sizes
- Nicki dolls
- Animals
- Seasonal figures
- Fantasy figures such as dwarfs, stars or flower children
- Figures from well-known children's books
- Nativity figurines
Differentiation from conventional dolls
material
When choosing the materials for the doll, emphasis is placed on the use of natural materials. Synthetics are rarely used or only for isolated parts of the work. Common materials are:
- chemically untreated trees and sheep wool
- Wood
- Colors on a purely vegetable basis
- Roots, stones and the like
Manufacturing
The dolls are filled either with soft materials such as wool or with harder materials such as rice. The choice of filling material determines the strength and malleability of the doll.
optics
Waldorf dolls are far less clearly developed compared to conventional dolls. Hands and feet are only shown as stumps. The face only shows the cheeks and nose as highlights. Ears, on the other hand, are rarely shown.
The design of the face in particular is an important distinguishing feature between the works of the individual manufacturers and is therefore often used in comparisons. It can either be painted on or embroidered. The painting or embroidery of the mouth is of great importance. It is avoided to express a certain mood through the displayed facial expressions. According to Waldorf education, this is only reserved for the playing child. Therefore the mouth shows only the hint of a smile. This demarcation is one of the great difficulties in the manufacture of Waldorf dolls and therefore reflects the skills of the doll maker.
The head of a Waldorf doll is usually decorated with hair or a head covering. The hair of higher quality dolls is, for example, made from vegetable-dyed wool and individually knotted into the head of the doll. Alternatively, ready-made wigs are also used, these are usually not made of natural materials, but of synthetic materials.
Basically, there are no limits to the appearance of a Waldorf doll. Every puppet maker focuses on other details of his work in his work.
distribution
Waldorf dolls are rarely found in toy stores. The only exception here are large doll manufacturers who can use existing sales channels. The rest use local sales events (e.g. handicraft markets), relevant shops or, with increasing success, the Internet.
Educational benefit
The aim of using a Waldorf doll is to stimulate the playing child's imagination. Since the gestures of the doll do not impose any particular emotion on the child, the child should project the facial expressions associated with his play onto the doll. This performance of the child should be important for his development. At the same time, the child should be given cognitive experiences through the use of various natural materials.
literature
Karin Neuschütz: Das Puppenbuch: How to make dolls yourself and what they mean for children . 1st edition. Free Spiritual Life Publishing House , Stuttgart 2012, ISBN 978-3-7725-2616-9 .
Franziska Helmig: Sewing instructions: Waldorf rag dolls to cuddle and love. 5th edition. Self-published by Franzispuppen, Waiblingen November 2016 Franzis Puppenkinder
