Time travelling: Peg wooden dolls
Dutch dolls, or Peg wooden dolls, originated in South Tyrol in the picturesque Alps. These simple dolls, lathe-carved from local cedar pine, appeared during the Borocco era, when the demand for Christmas creches increased dramatically. The dolls had a simple design and a smooth surface that was ideal for painting. Dutch dolls could be simple or more elaborate, with carved details such as eyes, nose and mouth.
By 1850, up to 2,500 people in the Val Gardena Valley, where Dutch doll making originated, were practising the craft, accounting for almost half of the valley's population. By that time, however, the local cedar pine was in danger of extinction, which made it necessary to limit the use of the wood.
In the 19th century, dolls became very popular in Europe and America. A wooden doll with movable arms and legs, called the "Dutch Doll", became particularly famous. The European market was growing and with it the demand for quality carvers' work. In the face of increasing competition in the European market, carvers had to improve the quality of their products to stay afloat.
After the First World War and the global economic crisis, toy production in Val Gardena declined. Many carvers were forced to give up their craft. At this time, the question arose in Val Gardena as to what was more important: art or craftsmanship? The traditional woodcarving community split into two parts: those who sought to create unique artistic pieces and those who continued to produce more affordable mass-produced dolls.
In 1920, the first exhibition association was founded, which paved the way for the production of unique art objects. Parallel to this, serial production developed, which remains popular to this day.
Today, Dutch dolls are still favoured by collectors and lovers of traditional art. They retain their appeal due to their simplicity, quality of workmanship and historical value. Created with love and attention to detail, Peg wooden dolls remain a symbol of the craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of the South Tyrol region.
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