Duration: 90 Minutes
Subject: Cultural Studies, Art, Craft, History
Guest Speaker: Rosa Miranda

Month: July

Creator: Maya V.

LESSON PLAN

Introduction

Muñeca Lelé dolls are not just toys; they symbolize the coming-of-age journey for young girls as they celebrate their 15th birthday. Education historians can study Muñeca Lelé doll making as a way cultural traditions are passed down, women are socialized into different roles, and history is taught through everyday objects, especially in communities where formal schooling is limited. This workshop highlights the vital role of doll making in textile arts as a way of preserving culture, history, and identity. The Muñeca Lelé dolls are more than just decorative items; they are educational tools, used to teach the younger generations Otomi language, values, and tradition. Through the craft of doll making, participants will explore how art can be a bridge to understanding cultural heritage and traditions. Rosa Miranda will emphasize how the creation of these dolls connects participants to a deeper connection to the Otomi community’s rich history and its ongoing resilience.

History

The dolls trace their origins to Spanish colonial influence, when indigenous cultures were forced to adapt and incorporate religious European traditions. Following the Spanish invasion and colonization of Mexico, Catholicism and modest dressing influenced the way native dolls were made. Traditional native dolls were covered head to toe with newly introduced fabrics and paper mâché, transforming them into marionetas that symbolized the Virgen Mary, and hung like puppets in front of churches. These religious dolls, also known as muñecas de trapo (rag dolls), were made from old, torn fabrics, supplied by the Spanish, that were often disease-ridden. Dollmaking in Spain was a symbol of wealth and nobility, and the Spanish sought to carry this tradition into the New World, even encouraging the use of these contaminated fabrics, which ultimately spread diseases among indigenous children. Ironically, these dolls were created to protect children from evil spirits on their journey to heaven. Although the first Muñeca Lelé dolls called muñecas de trapo came from marionetas, a distinctly Spanish puppetry craft originating in France, over time they evolved into a blend of both indigenous and colonial elements. Muñeca Lelé reflects both the resilience of the indigenous people and the complexities of cultural assimilation under colonialism.

The coming-of-age ritual known as a “quinceñera” was first documented by a Spanish Friar in the 16th century. The man described the ritual by saying, "Aztec pagans hold a ritual for a maiden's fifteenth year. She danced in flowers before carved idols as drums beat. Then a small animal was sacrificed, its blood offered to false gods” (Muse, 2023). At quinceñeras women are gifted a Muñeca Lelé doll. Dollmaking out of corn husks, rocks, clay, bronze, mecate (rope), ahuyama (pumpkin) was an indigenous practice for generations in the Otomi (Nahñu) community, long before colonization. Not only did dollmaking of this kind occur in Queretaro, but also in the Michocan, Guanajuato and Hidalgo regions. The word “lelé”, from Muñeca Lelé dolls comes from the Hñahñu language spoken by the Otomi (Nahñu) people meaning “baby”.

Essential Questions

1. How does doll making serve as a form of storytelling and cultural preservation for the Otomi people?

2. In what ways can art like doll making strengthen cultural identity and community connections?

3. How does the process of creating a doll from traditional materials enhance our understanding of art, history, and heritage?

4. How can learning and practicing traditional crafts influence personal growth and cultural awareness?

Goals & Objectives

Goals

• To understand the historical and cultural importance of Muñeca Lelé dolls in Otomi culture.

• To practice the craft of doll making while exploring how this art form connects to identity, tradition, and education.

• To reflect on how the practice of doll making can promote cultural preservation and inspire creative expression.

Objectives

• Participants will learn about the history and significance of Muñeca Lelé dolls in Otomi culture.

• Participants will construct a Muñeca Lelé doll using a stencil template and various materials, gaining hands-on experience in traditional crafting techniques.

• Participants will reflect on the significance of their creations, connecting the craft of doll making to personal and cultural meaning.

• Participants will share their finished dolls and discuss the personal and cultural insights gained through the process.

Outline of Learning Plan

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

   • Rosa Miranda shares the history of Muñeca Lelé dolls and their significance to the Otomi people.

   • Group discussion on the role of dolls in participants personal lives and the connection to Otomi communities.

2. Construction of Muñeca Lelé Doll (50 minutes)

   • Participants will use a stencil template to create their Muñeca Lelé doll.  The The Sandra Duran online guide can be displayed to guide students. 

   • The instructor will circulate around the room, providing hands-on guidance and answering questions during the creation process.

3. Assessment and Reflection (30 minutes)

   • Participants will present their finished dolls to the group, explaining their design choices and the meaning behind their creation.

   • Group discussion on the cultural significance of the dolls and the creative process.

Assessment

• Presentation

Participants will present their art to the workshop participants and explaing the personal and historical significance of their piece. 

• Reflection

Participants will reflect on their process and creations by answering the guiding questions. The depth of their reflections on how doll making connects to their life, identity, and culture will be evaluated

Questions to Guide Participants

1. • • Why did you make the doll in this way?

     • What does the doll mean to you personally?

     • How does the art and skill of doll making improve your life?

     • Do you feel connected to the Otomi people through this art?

Annotated List of Sources

Guide on How to Make Muñeca Lelé doll

https://www.thesandraduran.com/post/make-your-own-mexican-lele-doll-with-joann

This is a text source describing in steps how to make the doll. This can be used to guide students in their doll making. 

Story Telling Time 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1BJxHvPvzayzsEqAQu2dohn-UCQnnKBIP

Listen to the story of Rosa Miranda the doll maker in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico who has been creating the Muñeca Lelé since she was 6 years old.