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You've come to the first online shop that focuses exclusively on selling dolls in national costume. Offering a variety of vintage collectible dolls that represent many kinds of nationalities and ethnic minorities from all over the world. Besides dolls from far away and exotic places poppentopper.com is able to offer you a range of unusual dutch dolls since the shop is based in The Netherlands. If you are a collector or just looking for an interesting gift you have come to the right place. Check regulary to see what's new or subscribe to the Poppentopper newsletter.

 

 

 

Folk dolls are made for different reasons. People make them to keep their own local culture and traditions alive and in some countries folk dolls are used for educational or religious purposes. They can also be a remembrance of beloved heroes or historical events. Souvenir dolls in national costume became known and populair in the 18th century when people started to travel more. They were brought home showing the ethnografical and historical characteristics of people and places. World exhibitions increased popularity too.

Around 1900 there was a great interest in folklore and exotism in Europe. Europeans started souvenir or folk-dollmaking businesses in countries without a doll tradition. Church missions also stimulated dollmaking in order to help the poor (In China for example). By the way, souvenir dolls are not always made in the country they represent. Today, souvenir dolls are still popular. Although the designs and materials may have changed throughout the years, a lot of dolls still are made following old traditions.