What is a Panki Doll / Куклы Панки?

These wooden dolls have been said to be the oldest version of wooden toys in Russia. Made from a single piece of wood they are almost always carved in a basic and simplistic fashion. The lack of details enables the owner to create their own avatar or fantasy empowering the doll and giving it life.

If the doll was used as a children’s toy they would each interpret their doll as their own special character, giving the doll a unique purpose or job. Panki dolls were almost always used as talismans for good luck, to keep away bad spirits, to prevent illness and to promote a good harvest. 

The word “PANK” derives from the word “PANG” signifying trunk or root. The dolls rarely had legs so they were unable to walk away from their owners. The face of a Panki doll was almost always kept bare so evil spirits were unable to possess the doll. 

The dolls would represent the artist who carved it, allowing their ancestors insights into their past. Under no circumstances was anyone permitted to treat the dolls with disrespect or mishandle them. Once the owner died the dolls were buried with them so they were able to carry them into the next life.

- More images and info can be seen on The Wooden Architects personal page.