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Paper Dolls

Paper dolls have a somewhat difficult history to trace. This is due to the material choice. Paper disintegrates far more easily than other materials from which dolls are made. However, they have are known to have had a pretty widespread history.

The earliest record of paper dolls traces them back to the tenth century. This occurred in Japan. These creations were used as part of a purification ceremony. Along with the figures, miniature boats were also used in this ceremony.

Paper dolls came into popularity during the 1700s for both the British and the French. How they reached the West is unknown. The French and the British had very different focuses with these little figures. The former utilized them to tell satirical stories. In contrast, the latter had moral stories written on the dolls to encourage good behavior.

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