Bak Masken
"Motanka"

"Motanka" collection was exhibited in 2022 at "Bak masken" exhibition by Nowegian Association of Jewellery Designers.

The project idea came from “Motanka” – Ukrainian rag doll. Many cultures have rag dolls as a children's toy. In Ukraine “Motanka” was not only a children’s toy but also a type of traditional amulet. Motanka-dolls were made to protect the house or its owner. It is believed that these dolls appeared in the Upper Paleolithic time period. They have to be made and tied without using of a needle or other sharp objects, to "not poke/hurt the fate".

Motanka has no distinct facial features, like nose, mouth or eyes. Instead of human features, some dolls have a cross on the face — a symbol of the Sun, of the spiritual unity of sky and earth, masculine and feminine beginning.

The goal of this project was to tell about an old Ukrainian tradition, and to revitalize this tradition in a new way – going from the medium of textiles to a jewellery in metal.