Lupita with Lilies

Originating in the 1800s, Lupita dolls were initially crafted from paper mache as affordable alternatives to porcelain dolls, representing a traditional Mexican craft still practiced by select artists today. The dolls take their name from the diminutive of Guadalupe, a common girl's name, reflecting the dolls' widespread use among children who mimicked daily chores. Each doll was unique, produced by numerous artisan families, and sold in markets like Mexico City for over a century until plastic toys emerged. Nowadays, Lupita dolls are primarily decorative, made from ceramic and beautifully adorned, evoking nostalgia. They symbolize the everyday life of Mexico, from villages to cities, carrying cultural significance beyond their original role as children's toys.