The Flax Dolls (flax is the plant of which linen is made) are made in the Western part of the former USSR, in Belarus. The name of the region is translated into English as White Russia. From ancient times people who lived in this former USSR territory grew a lot of FLAX. They made linen out of this plant and made white clothes. That is why this part of Russia got the name White Russia. Women decorated FLAX blouses and skirts with very beautiful embroidery. Such things are still popular in White Russia. At present time people in Belarus grow a lot of flax. The factory where the flax dolls are made is very small. Since the flax dolls are so intricate, the procedure of making them takes a lot of time, because of that they are limited. You have to have a very high skill to make the FLAX dolls. They are completely hand made with many details: braids, hats, shoes, and even socks. They are dressed in traditional Russian clothes. When you touch them you feel like they are made out of hair. For hundreds of years the FLAX dolls have been nice toys for children, because they are like human being by touch. Especially popular among kids were large dolls, because they are like younger sisters for kids. The FLAX dolls are very unusual, they are interesting collectible items and they are great gift idea.
