30-180 Minutes
Create a Dominican Faceless Doll
Salem Maritime National Historical Park
Have you ever heard of Faceless Dolls (or Muñecas Sin Rostro)? Faceless Dolls were first created in the 1980’s by sculptor Liliana Mera Limé. Their lack of faces is what makes them a truly unique symbol of the Dominican Republic. Learn more about faceless dolls and show off your craft skills by making one of your own!
A pottery worker in the Dominican Republic named Liliana Mera Limé handcrafted the first “faceless doll” in 1981 leaving a smooth, unfinished surface where the face should be. It is the lack of faces that make the dolls a symbol of the Dominican Republic, as they are said to represent the Dominicans’ rich mix of people from all over the world. Nowadays, they are sold all over the Dominican Republic and come in a variety of heights, shapes, skin tones, and dress styles. All the dolls are handmade and hand-painted, so no two dolls are alike. As part of a collaboration between Salem Maritime National Historic Site and the North Shore Community Development Coalition, creating your own Dominican Faceless Doll out of paper is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about faceless dolls and follow along with the steps in the article to create your own!
Tags
Arts and CultureAfrican American HeritageArtsSculptureColonization and SettlementExplorers and ExpeditionsHispanic American HeritageImmigrationLatino American HeritageMaritimeMassachusettshistorynortheastNew EnglandLatinxLatino Conservation Weekyouth activitiesactivities
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Details
Duration
30-180 Minutes
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
The activity is self-directed and is not specific to a location. The instructions are available through the Faceless Dolls article.
Pets
No — Not applicable
Reservations
No
Age Info
This craft involves the use of scissors and glue.
Location
Salem Maritime National Historic Site