Strasbourg Hosts “Motanka” Exhibition Celebrating Ukrainian Womanhood
In Strasbourg, Ukraine presented the exhibition «Motanka — The Spirit of Ukrainian Womanhood», showcasing traditional dolls symbolizing strength and resilience.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to the Permanent Representation of Ukraine to the Council of Europe on Facebook.
The exhibition features 68 motankas created by 42 Ukrainian artisans from Ukraine and the diaspora. At its center is the world’s largest motanka, decorated in the colors of Ukraine and Europe, recognized in the Book World Records, and chosen as the ambassador doll for 2025–2026.
This centerpiece symbolizes the cultural connection between Ukraine and the European community, highlighting unity and support.
“Today, the motanka has become not only a cultural artifact, but also a symbol of the resilience of the Ukrainian people, our inner strength, and our ability to keep the light shining even in the darkest times,” the statement said.
The event was hosted by Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Mykola Tochytskyi, with participation from Francesca Camilleri Vétiger, Permanent Representative of Malta, and Daniela Kujbe, Permanent Representative of Moldova.
The exhibition also includes 46 motankas in the national costumes of Council of Europe member states, symbolizing European unity and solidarity. Through this display, Ukrainian culture communicates a universal message of peace, dignity, and feminine strength.
Motanka dolls are ancient Ukrainian protective dolls, traditionally created without faces to carry only positive energy, love, and hope. Historically used in rituals for childbirth, weddings, and household protection, today they represent the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
They appeared about 5,000 years ago. The name comes from the Ukrainian word “motaty” (to wind). These dolls usually have a human form, most often female or child, and are made from pieces of fabric.
An important feature is the absence of facial features: eyes were never drawn because it was believed that they could become a portal for evil spirits. Sometimes a cross was made on the face, symbolizing the sun in Slavic culture. Motanka dolls mostly depicted women or children, and male dolls were created only as an addition. This reflects the important place of women in the worldview of Ukrainians and the symbolic image of the pagan goddess of fertility, Donda.
Although motanka is closely associated with Ukrainian tradition, similar dolls were also used by other peoples. For example, the ancient Greeks used them as sacrifices to the pantheon of gods.
As The Gaze reported earlier, from October 24 to 28, 2024, Japan’s 800-year-old Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura hosted the exhibition “Aitsugi – 100 Motanka for Peace,” showcasing Ukrainian national motanka dolls.
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