People who visit the Dominican Republic usually set their eyes on one of several things: nice beaches, good food, and an even better night life. But the Dominican Republic is much more than a locality for tourist attraction; its richness in culture and history runs so deep that it can impact the way we think of different people- and the world.
Growing up, I always saw my relatives come home from long trips to unpack their luggage and reveal these ceramic dolls with absolutely no facial features. I saw how they came in all different shapes, sizes, colors, clothing, and surprisingly how the sculptures played, and still play a major role in how women view themselves. It felt like the ceramic doll, sitting on the living room shelf, was telling me the proper way of conducting myself as a woman- her posture and virginal attire a prime example of what a lady should be. But I was always more amazed and confused at why a well-crafted piece from an exotic place remained faceless. My curiosity lead me to the conclusion that the faceless doll in the Dominican Republic is representative of the ambiguous features that people in the island have.
Most people know that there are dark skinned and light skinned Dominicans, but most don't know the history behind why, or even a small ] tidbit that comes with the culture such as the faceless doll. From fare skinned to dark skinned; to blond straight hair to curly black hair; to green eyes to eyes the color of cafe' bustelo(dark brown)-there's a huge variety. Therefore, since Dominicans all have different features, the dolls were made so that no single feature stood out. It serves as a way to appreciate the diverse array of people, especially women that inhabit the island. I like the idea of the faceless doll now because it doesn't allow people to prescribe to one standard of beauty such as the one seen here. Other cultures, too, have people that vary in appearance such as in Brazil. We can all draw a little something from this-a better appreciation and acceptance of people from different color spectrum regardless of where you come from.
As I get older, I try to understand more and more about my culture and where I come from. I seek answers to why some of my people hate their African roots, while others accept it completely. Take for example how so many young Dominicans in urban neighborhoods identify with black culture and become completely immersed in it, but at home we are told by our parents that we must speak in the native tongue and listen to bachata and meringue. When I looked up the faceless doll and what it meant, it helped me solve
the curiosity I had as a child but also helped me realize that regardless of where I come from or how I look, I’m just like you. What I carry inside-my values, beliefs, intelligence-that, my friend, is more importannt and is something that can't be painted over.
Here's a picture( low quality)of a doll my dad gave to my sister as a gift for entering womanhood.
& her name written on the side.
