Lupita with Fruit Basket

Originating in the 1800s, Lupita dolls were crafted from paper mache as an affordable alternative to porcelain dolls, representing a traditional Mexican art form still practiced by few artisans today. The name Lupita comes from the diminutive of the common name Guadalupe and reflects its widespread use as toys for children, allowing them to mimic the tasks of the era. Each doll was distinctive, crafted by numerous artisan families. For more than a century, these hand-made dolls thrived in Mexico City marketplaces until plastic toys became prevalent. Currently, Lupita dolls serve decorative purposes, made from ceramic and finely detailed, offering nostalgia and embodying Mexico's daily life, from small towns to busy cities, extending their significance beyond mere children's toys.