Making the dolls

The production of these dolls involves a series of manual processes and a technical division of labour, making them a "hybrid" creation that blends traditional rural craftsmanship with modern production techniques to improve efficiency. This hybrid nature allows a sort of cultural authenticity while meeting the demands of a broader market (Lazcano Arce, 2005).

In the production line, the artisans each have a specific role, to improve efficiency and quality. One individual is responsible for creating and cutting all the necessary dress designs and moulds for the dolls, ensuring consistency and precision. Another artisan focuses exclusively on sewing, piecing together the fabric components. A different person is responsible for stuffing the dolls and dressing them. Embroidery, a crucial aspect that adds intricate details to the dolls, is handled by another, who adorns each doll with patterns and designs. Yet another individual fits the dolls with wigs, styling them to reflect the specific ethnic group the doll represents, and adds facial features like eyes, nose, and mouth through embroidery or adhesion. Finally, another artisan completes the process by assembling all the components (Lazcano Arce, 2005).

Creating Cultural Heritage

These dolls have become emblematic, capturing the attention of both domestic and international visitors to Queretaro and Mexico City (Campos, 2023). Their popularity can be attributed to their unique cultural details, such as the “cambaya” blouse and the “chincuete” skirt, which not only serve as a testament to the artisanal skill involved in their creation but also as a reflection of the cultural heritage they represent.