Lupita with Birdcage

Originating in the 1800s, Lupita dolls were initially crafted from paper mache as a cost-effective alternative to pricier porcelain dolls. These dolls are a traditional Mexican handicraft still made today by a select group of artists. The name Lupita comes from the diminutive form of the common girls' name Guadalupe, likely chosen for its widespread use. Lupita dolls were toys for the poor, helping children mimic the chores of the era. Despite this, each doll was unique, produced by numerous artisan families. For over a century, hand-crafted Lupita dolls were sold in Mexico City and other major marketplaces. They remained popular until plastic toys became prevalent. Nowadays, Lupita dolls are primarily decorative. Made of ceramic and intricately adorned, they serve as nostalgic items displayed for comfort and good fortune. They continue to symbolize the daily life of Mexico, from small villages to bustling cities, holding significance beyond being mere children's toys.