Cloth folk doll 'Mascotes Maria Helena' from Portugal

This traditional Portuguese folk doll was created by Maria Helena, a renowned Portuguese dollmaker who began producing these cultural character dolls in the mid-20th century. The doll depicts a young Portuguese woman in traditional regional costume, complete with a distinctive headdress, colorful skirt, and vest that represent the folk dress of rural Portugal. Mascotes Maria Helena dolls are cherished by collectors of international folk art and ethnic dolls for their authentic representation of Portuguese cultural heritage. These handcrafted cloth dolls capture the essence of traditional Portuguese regional costumes and are valued for their craftsmanship and cultural significance. Collectors particularly appreciate these dolls as tangible connections to Portuguese folk traditions and as decorative pieces that showcase the country's rich cultural identity.