As part of our topic on the Maya, we have been working with Mrs Costello to make our own worry dolls. Worry dolls are traditional dolls that have been made in Guatamala for generations. According to the Maya legend, when someone has a problem or worry they tell their worry to the doll and place the doll under their pillow at bedtime. The doll then takes the worry away, allowing the person to sleep peacefully and wake refreshed.
Traditional worry dolls are very small. Ours measure about 2 inches in height. There were many stages to making the doll. First, we used pipe cleaners to create the basic shape of the body, then we wove our own blankets using wool. Finally, we made heads for our dolls using needle felting and we sewed the cloth storage pouches.
We are all very pleased with what we have produced and think they look fantastic!
‘I loved making my worry doll’ said one Year 6 girl. While another boy commented ‘I can’t wait to take my worry doll home and see if it works!’
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