Two keening dolls available - inspired by the figure of the keening woman.
These Keening Dolls are inspired by the ancient role of the keening woman - who led a community through their grief and also guided the soul of the dead back home to the otherworld.
Theres women stepped into a liminal, threshold role working between the worlds.
I think of doll making as a practice that works on the thresholds, the dolls themselves having a foot in both worlds, born on the threshold.
These keening dolls are made as a connection to your stories of grief and transition. They are a symbolic connection with the keening woman and the rituals she performed. They are a reminder of grief, and it is a radical act today to engage with grief and not, as our culture encourages, to sweep it away and not talk about it.
The doll can serve as a reminder of how ritual can heal and an invitation to engage with your own small acts of ritual - in remembrance, of honouring the dead and of speaking to your own grief, memories and joy.
The doll is a symbolic connection, a focus of remembrance, of transforming grief - not to erase it but accepting it and sitting with it - and recognising it as an important part of healing supported by this ancient tradition which can meet us in our grief today.
Keening dolls are inspired by the Keening Woman, who guided a community through their grief but also guided the soul home. Her role was a ritual of transformation, and a keening doll is offers a means to engage with your grief, your story.
PURCHASING INFORMATION
I have two keening dolls available, each is priced at £149.00. If you are interested in either of the dolls just email me using the form below. I will create a Paypal invoice and calculate shipping for you (Uk shipping roughly £3 / US shipping roughly £20).
Both dolls are made from a wire armature (half body) with recycled synthetic fabrics. The faces are made from Fimo clay and their hair is sheep wool. Each is embellished with Scottish sea shells.
Keening Doll 1
Total length - just under 60 cm / 23 inches
Widest point - 26 cm / 10 inches (adjustable arms)
This doll is a wall hanging and secures to the wool with a metal hoop
Keening Doll 2
Total length - just under 51 cm / 20 inches
Widest point - 267cm / 11 inches (adjustable arms)
This doll is a wall hanging and secures to the wool with a metal hoop