Lupita with Candy Stick

Originating in the 1800s, Lupita dolls are traditional Mexican handicrafts made initially as paper mache alternatives to expensive porcelain dolls. They derive their name from Guadalupe, a name popular among girls. These dolls were accessible toys for poor children, used to mimic daily chores, and each was uniquely crafted by artisan families. They were sold in Mexico City and other major markets for over a century, maintaining popularity until plastic toys emerged. Today, Lupita dolls are mostly for decoration, crafted from ceramic, and evoke nostalgia representing daily Mexican life, from small villages to bustling cities.