The term anthroposophy comes from the Greek words anthropos (human) and sophia (wisdom). In anthroposophical thought, each person has their own life path. You walk this path with your head (thinking), your heart (feeling), and your arms and legs (willing). Anthroposophy assumes that as a human being, you are closely connected to the earth, the sun, the moon, and the stars. The more attention you pay to (living according to) the rhythm of nature, the better you will feel.
The Waldorf idea about toys is that they are made from natural, beautiful, and high-quality materials. Because the appearance of anthroposophical dolls is kept simple, the child can project their own fantasy, creativity, and mood onto them. Anthroposophical toys challenge the child; there is no right or wrong, and they encourage the child to invent their own play.
What are anthroposophical dolls?
Anthroposophical dolls are also called Waldorf dolls, Steiner dolls, or Sun Child dolls. They originated in the education of the Free School, founded by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) in the 1920s. Philosopher Steiner was the creator of anthroposophy. In addition, he developed a unique pedagogical vision known as the Waldorf education method. Steiner believed that every child is unique and should be given the opportunity to develop fully. Waldorf dolls or Sun Child dolls are always made of natural materials. They are filled with clean, carded sheep's wool and have a body made of (eco)jersey. This sheep's wool filling makes the handmade doll feel warm and alive.
Why do Waldorf dolls / Sun Child dolls have a simple face?
The doll's appearance is simple so that the child playing with the doll can develop their own creative play. Anthroposophical dolls have a very specific design and appearance, and this is for a reason. The doll's appearance is based on the idea that the doll symbolizes a human being. This is what you want to give a child as an example to shape themselves after and to live by. The idea behind it is to encourage the child to use their imagination and to provide the opportunity to act out all kinds of feelings with the doll.
What different types of anthroposophical dolls are there?
In each life stage, a child plays differently and will need different toys.
Various dolls have been developed for these stages. From small cuddle dolls for the very young to limb dolls or baby dolls for older doll-playing children.
1. Knot doll
The knot doll for the very young, is made from a lovely soft fabric. The head is round and cuddly soft. The rest of the fabric is a vague indication of the human form. Knot dolls are often given as gifts at birth because you can quickly place this doll in the cradle for a sense of security.
2. Cuddle doll
The cuddle doll for toddlers is made with a fixed outfit of cotton jersey. The limbs are softly filled and therefore very mobile. The hair is simple.
3. Flexible doll
The flexible doll. This strong doll is specially designed for the more exuberant play of preschoolers. The preschooler will love playing with it and carrying it around. They can easily put on and take off the simple clothes.
4. Doll child or limb doll
The doll child (also called a limb doll) is primarily designed for children aged six and older. The doll child has separately attached limbs that can be posed. The doll gains a little more personality. The hair is a real hairstyle. The clothing requires more skill from the child to put on and take off and has more details. The doll child is also available in multiple sizes.
5. Play baby
The play baby is for the older child who increasingly desires toys that resemble reality. The play baby is a doll that gives the impression of a real baby, soft and warm like a real child, and due to its size, it also has a significant weight. This doll can wear real baby clothes.
Why are some of the (cuddle) dolls that Ollebol & Muis makes not included in this overview?
The overview lists the anthroposophical dolls that originated from Rudolf Steiner's philosophy. Like everything, taste, interest, and demand for products change over the years. This also applies to the range of anthroposophical dolls. Many different types have been added. Still all according to the same anthroposophical teachings, but slightly more elaborate or different in form.
In addition to the simple knot doll, for example, the butterfly doll was introduced many years ago and is a favorite among many young parents because "they used to have such a doll themselves." The head and hands of these popular cuddly toys are filled with clean, carded sheep's wool, and the body is made of beautiful natural materials. When choosing an ideal cuddle toy, Ollebol & Muis offers the choice of a butterfly doll with or without a face. Both options are frequently chosen. The butterfly dolls with faces have a simple facial expression with a few strands of hair and therefore appeal slightly more than the butterfly dolls without faces. Click here for the butterfly dolls with hair and faces that are available.
The Slappe Lijs is another example. Ollebol & Muis sells many dolls of this type. A perfect gift for a budding doll mother! The Slappe Lijs is also handmade from natural materials, but the cotton body is fixed. A Slappe Lijs doll cannot be undressed, but due to its soft body, the doll is very easy to hold and intended for lots of cuddling. Slappe Lijs is filled with clean carded sheep's wool, both the head, hands, feet, the torso in the outfit, but also the legs and arms in the cotton body. The hair always has small buns that are also fixed. The only loose parts on a Slappe Lijs doll can be an optionally added crocheted collar and the bows in the hair. The Slappe Lijs is not very heavy. It is perfect for a young doll mother and is often given as a gift for a 1st birthday. I always try to have at least 1 Slappe Lijs doll in stock. Click here to see which doll is in stock and can be shipped immediately.
Why choose a Waldorf / anthroposophical doll and not a plastic doll?
Many hours of handiwork go into making a Waldorf doll. This explains why the price of a Waldorf doll / Sun Child doll is significantly higher than the well-known plastic dolls from the store. These store-bought dolls all have the same frozen smile, limbs that don't bend when dressing and undressing, and feel cold and hard.
Every anthroposophical or Waldorf doll is made with much love and beautiful, natural materials. Many hours of handiwork go into it before a doll is finished. Because these dolls are handmade, every doll is unique, and you will not find two exactly alike.
Do you also want such a beautiful Waldorf doll or cuddle toy?
Ollebol & Muis regularly has dolls in stock that can be shipped immediately. Because making a Waldorf doll takes a lot of time, you won't see large quantities in stock because I also crochet and knit on commission. Making a doll takes time and attention and cannot be rushed. Click here to view the current stock of anthroposophical dolls and cuddle toys. Do you have other specific wishes and don't see your perfect doll among them? Then email me at info@ollebolenmuis.nl. Together we will discuss and see if your wishes are possible and if there is enough time to schedule a custom order for you. I only accept a few custom orders per year.
