Matryoshka dolls
Russian folk treasures
History
The first matryoshka dolls were made in the late 19th century and portrayed women dressed in traditional costumes. Other matryoshka dolls featured members of rich families of the Russian nobility and middle class. Serviev Posad, a small town in central Russia, is widely considered the birthplace of matryoshka dolls.
Method
Russian craftsmen use lime, alder, or birch logs to create the matryoshka. They use knives, chisels, and a lathe to carve the figurines. After carving, craftsmen cover the figurines with a sticky glue and then paint or varnish them.