The Spirit of True Doll Making, "Little People of the Secret Power"

Creating a Menehune doll transfers me into a miniature life of my own. I start with a clear image of the doll I want to create: its gender, the clothes, accessories, and sometimes even its name and part of its story. The flow of possibilities and creative ideas is endless. Sewing the body, stuffing it, embroidering the face, every step of the way, the Menehune grows and takes on a life of its own. It is almost as if the doll is dictating who he or she wants to become. My previous plans of the design don't seem to apply at all anymore. But I follow these inspirations because now I have entered the place of true doll making, where a deeper part of me takes over communicating with the developing spirit of the doll. I have reached my inner place of stillness, inspiration, and guidance where I find and lose myself at the same time. It enhances my ability to communicate ideas and feelings in ways where words fail. At this point I know that my new Menehune has a soul and a personality. The spirit of true doll making is enlightening.

The intricate art of crafting 3.5" miniature cloth dolls is something I would have never thought I had the patience to do. But it has become my most cherished and gratifying creation. It is a thrilling experience to look at a finished doll and see that it has come alive.

Through my Menehunes I always try to capture the ancient, magical spirit of Hawaii where I have lived for the past 30 years. Hawaiians are deeply in touch with their creative and intuitive nature. They live in harmony with creation. Hawaiian tradition emphasizes mana or spiritual energy which is expressed in philosophies, symbolism, and culture. In Hawaiian mythology Menehunes often are referred to as "the little people of the secret power". The Menehune dolls' mana connects to Hawaii's spiritual wisdom which is conveyed through their personalities and inspirational messages. I commit a lot of creativity, detailing, inspiration, and love to each individual doll. Every tiny configuration is treated with extreme care. Each stitch has to be in exactly the right position. The pattern and design of the clothing and accessories must be in harmony with the doll, enhance its personality and connect it with the wisdom found in Hawaiian symbols and stories. The work is never finished until the Menehune shows its spirit. Only then will I name it and write a story to reflect its personality which conveys messages of guidance, protection, and inspiration following concepts of Hawaiian spirituality and culture.

The creation of Nai'a, the little Menehune sailor boy, became an expression of love. Looking at him humbly offering his gift of precious seashells, I feel like he is nurturing my spirit and taking care of me which in turn makes me want to take care of him. Nai'a radiates the Hawaiian Aloha (love) spirit. Here is part of Nai'a's story:

Nai'a is named after his Aumakua (ancestral spirit) the Hawaiian Dolphin. Dolphins are often called the "Angels of the Sea". Nai'a also is an angelic little Menehune Keiki Kane (boy). His Mana (spiritual energy) is Aloha (love) and compassion. Nai'a is the most generous little Menehune. Sharing his treasures with his Menehune Ohana (family) brings him the greatest joy. Nai'a's treasures are the precious sea shells he scoops up with his fishing net when he sails his canoe through the beautiful bays of Punaluu Black Sands Beach.

Nothing makes Nai'a happier than passing out the most treasurable shell gifts to his Menehune Ohana and seeing their joy and appreciation which in turn is the greatest gift to him.

Nai's knows that the more he gives, the more he will receive. Nai's teaches us to see with the heart and act with compassion.

Nai'a's Tutu (grandmother) made the Ti Leaf Lei he wears around his neck and tied 4 more Ti leaves to the sail of his canoe. It was Tutu's sacred gift of Aloha (Love) to her grandson. According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs, Ti Leaves provide protection from all harm. Surrounded by Ti leaves, Nai'a feels save and secure.

Nai'a and his Kuku (grandfather) made his canoe together. Walking through the forest they started following the native forest bird who selected the tree they would use to build the canoe. After Nai'a and his Kuku finished carving the Wa'akaukahi, they built the sail which has a design of 2 dolphins holding "fins". The dolphins on his sail give Nai'a the greatest comfort. They remind him that, if he should ever get lost at sea, he can call on his Aumakua, the dolphin, who always, without fail, comes to guide Nai'a safely back to shore.

www.hawaiianmenehunes.blogspot.com/2011/06/spirit-of-true-doll-making.html

A Little History On Dolls

The doll is perhaps the oldest type of toy in human history. Evidence of doll making can be traced back to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including ancient Egypt and Rome. In modern times, baby dolls continue to hold a great deal of fascination, for both children and adults. They are still one of the most popular toys for children today and millions are sold each year around the world.

Over the centuries, baby dolls have been made from a variety of materials. Throughout most of history, the vast majority of these toys were made from either wood or some variation of pottery. They were often made by hand, by either a parent or relative of the child, and many of these dolls would be passed down from one child to the next. Paper dolls have also been very popular for many centuries, but due to the nature of paper, they generally did not last as long. During the 18th century, porcelain dolls became quite popular and were largely preferred to the older wooden or clay designs.

Shortly after World War II, the introduction of plastics would have a significant impact on the doll industry. Plastic was much less expensive than porcelain, and could be easily molded into nearly any shape imaginable. These characteristics allowed manufacturers to create plastic dolls on a mass-scale, and allowed them to do so for a fraction of the cost of the more traditional materials. Today, most of the toy dolls that are sold through local toy stores are almost always made from plastic, regardless of their design.

Modern baby dolls are available in a seemingly endless variety. Sizes can range from small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, all the way up to life-size models. They can be found in both male and female designs, as well as with any number of ethnic or cultural identities. Many of today's doll manufacturers also create entire accessory lines that are intended to enhance the appeal of their products. Clothing and jewelry are commonly sold as accessories for dolls, as are strollers, changing stations, and even furniture.

Most local toy stores are literally stocked full of dolls, of all shapes and sizes. However, if for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for through a local source, there are many online resources as well. These Internet retailers are often the best place to find something truly unique.

Jennifer R. Scott has been writing for over ten years on a broad range of topics. She has a background that includes such diverse areas as environmentalism, cooking, animal care, and technology. If you would like more information on baby dolls, please visit this site.