Mexican rag doll

Mexico has a long history of making rag dolls, but the ones known popularly from their appearance nationally, especially in tourist venues may date back only to the 1970s, during the time the workshop was running.

Although Amealco is strongly connected to these dolls, their making is not limited and has spread into various states, with some variations in dress and appearance, but always keeping with wide faces and hair generously braided with ribbons.

[5][4] According to Queretaro state authorities, the Marias originate from the communities of Santiago Mexquititlan and San Ildefonso Tultepec in the municipality of Amealco de Bonfil.

[6] Amealco has the first museum in Mexico dedicated solely to traditional handcrafted dolls, located in the town center in a building from the 19th century.

[6][5] The most authentic of the dolls are made by hand and/or sewing machine in homes or small workshops, mostly by women but sometimes men and children participate.

[1] Although the ribbon-adorned version with the wide face is by far the most popular, other variations have come about such as dolls representing Frida Kahlo and those made with more ecological materials.