Marapachi 10 inch – pair of male and female dolls

A Marapachi doll set, typically handmade from wood, is a traditional South Indian craft, especially associated with Tamil Nadu and other parts of Southern India. These dolls are often used during festivals like Pongal and Navaratri, particularly during the Golu (a festival of dolls) celebration.

Description of the 10-inch Marapachi Dolls (Pair of Male and Female):

• Height: Each doll stands approximately 10 inches tall, making them medium-sized, perfect for display on a festive altar or shelf.
• Material: The dolls are made of wood (often rosewood or other local hardwood), giving them a sturdy yet natural feel. The wood is often polished or painted with vibrant colors.

Male Doll:

• Face and Features: The male doll has distinct facial features like a traditional beard and mustache, hand-carved with attention to detail. His expression is usually serene or slightly regal.
• Clothing: The male doll is often adorned in a simple dhoti (a traditional cloth worn around the waist), sometimes with an additional shawl or upper garment depending on the region. The clothing is painted on or crafted from cloth to replicate traditional attire.
• Posture: The male figure may be depicted in a standing or seated posture, sometimes with a hand gesture symbolizing blessings or holding a traditional item like a staff.

Female Doll:

• Face and Features: The female doll often has intricate facial features, with expressive eyes and a soft, serene smile. She may have a bun hairstyle or traditional jewelry like earrings, nose rings, and necklaces.
• Clothing: The female doll wears a sari or traditional dress, often brightly colored and decorated with painted details. The attire can include a blouse (choli) and a pleated skirt, with the sari elegantly draped around her body.
• Posture: The female doll is usually depicted in a standing posture, and her hands might be placed in specific mudras (hand gestures) or holding items like a flower, fan, or plate.

Colors and Decoration:

• The dolls are painted in rich, vibrant colors. The clothing is often depicted in shades of red, green, gold, and blue.
• Fine details, such as gold accents or bead-like patterns, are often painted to mimic the intricate designs found on traditional Indian clothing and jewelry.

These Marapachi dolls represent a blend of traditional artistry and religious culture, often embodying a sense of divine presence or grace. The male and female dolls are typically displayed together to symbolize the balance of the divine masculine and feminine energy.