Dolls of religious significance

The earliest dolls made out of wood were not playthings--they were symbolic and ceremonial figures, often of a religious nature. Their beauty and craftsmanship makes them a desired collectable, but by no means should they be considered as a secular doll.
They were purely made by artisans for use as religious statues. The hands are in uncomfortable or impossible looking poses, the faces are extremely expressive and the overall posture, exaggerates these emotions. Because creating these figures was usually a community group effort, and the carvings of heads, legs and hands was done by different people. As a result, it is quite common to find hands that are not in proportion for the size of a particular doll.