Some of the earliest objects we can confidently call toy dolls come from ancient Greece: little terracotta figures with limbs that swing on strings, buried with the children who loved them.
Plangon — the jointed clay doll
Greek children played with plangon dolls: terracotta figures whose arms and legs were articulated with string joints so they could be posed and “danced.” Many have been recovered from children’s graves across the Greek world, sometimes with tiny painted clothing and jewellery.
From childhood to marriage
A poignant custom accompanied these dolls: on the eve of her wedding, a Greek girl would dedicate her childhood dolls to a goddess — often Artemis — formally setting aside the toys of childhood as she entered adult life.
Words that outlived them
The Latin cousin of the Greek doll, the pupa (“girl, doll”), gave English two words: puppet, and pupil — the little figure you see reflected in another person’s eye. The ancient doll still hides inside our everyday language.
Frequently asked questions
What is a plangon doll?
A plangon is an ancient Greek terracotta doll with arms and legs articulated on string joints, so it could be posed. Many have been found in children’s graves.
What did Greek girls do with their dolls before marriage?
On the eve of her wedding, a Greek girl would dedicate her childhood dolls to a goddess such as Artemis, formally setting aside the toys of childhood.
Sources & further reading
Written in our own words from the references above and other reputable sources. Cultural traditions vary locally and scholarship evolves; corrections are welcome via our contact page.