Dymkovo Toys

One of the best examples of the Russian folk art are toys made in the town of Dymkovo located in the Kirov region. In Russia they are also known as Vyatka or Kirov toys. These earthenware figurines have been made since the ancient time. They were part of the local spring festival that had been organized until early 20th century on the bank of nearby Vyatka River.

Dymkovo toys

Dymkovo toys are made of red clay and river sand. There are three types of toys – balls, whistles and dolls. Older toys had their root in old pagan beliefs. Nowadays toys have purely decorative meaning. There are those based on tradition like for example barynyas or landladies. Abstract motifs are also present.

Technology of making and painting of Dymkovo toys is strictly determined. The most famous makers of Dymkovo toys are Anna Mezrina, Elizaveta Koshkina, Elizaveta and Zoya Penkina.