Trace the Fascinating History of Dolls and Toys — From Ancient Rituals to Iconic Classics

Dogu figures, originating from Japan's Jomon period (approximately 14,000–300 BCE), are some of the earliest known representations of humanoid forms in Japanese art. These small, enigmatic figurines, typically between 10 to 30 cm tall, were crafted from clay and often feature exaggerated features, such as large eyes, intricate patterns, and distinctively stylised bodies. Their precise purpose remains uncertain, but they are widely believed to hold spiritual or ritual significance, possibly linked to fertility, protection, or healing practices. Many Dogu figures exhibit features suggesting a connection to motherhood or childbirth, symbolising the cultural importance of life and regeneration in early Japanese societies.The materials used to create Dogu, primarily unglazed clay, reflect the craftsmanship of the Jomon people. These figurines were often intentionally broken, which suggests they may have played a role in rituals or ceremonies, possibly symbolising the release of spiritual power or the completion of a rite. Their design, including the "shakoki-dogu" or "goggle-eyed" figures, demonstrates a remarkable attention to detail and abstract interpretation of human forms.Numerous Dogu figures have been uncovered at archaeological sites across Japan, particularly in northern and eastern regions. Notable examples are housed in museums such as the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Japanese History.

Babylonians and the Earliest Board Games (c. 4000 BCE)The Babylonians are among the earliest known civilizations to engage in board games, with evidence suggesting they played strategic and chance-based games as early as 4000 BCE. One of the most famous ancient board games associated with Mesopotamian cultures, including the Babylonians, is the Royal Game of Ur (c. 2600–2400 BCE). This two-player race game, discovered in the royal tombs of Ur (modern-day Iraq), used a grid-like board with decorative inlays and was played with pyramid-shaped dice. Scholars believe board games in Babylonian society were more than just entertainment—they had religious, educational, and possibly even divinatory purposes, reflecting the culture’s deep connection between daily life and spirituality.The game boards were typically crafted from materials like wood, shell, and lapis lazuli, indicating their importance in elite circles. Simpler versions may have been made from clay or carved directly into the ground. The Babylonians also played other dice-based games and proto-chess-like strategy games, some of which may have influenced later Egyptian and Greek games. The British Museum houses one of the best-preserved examples of the Royal Game of Ur, and a playable version has been reconstructed by researchers. Free-to-use images of the board and game pieces can be found on Wikimedia Commons and through the British Museum’s online collection.

Ancient Egyptian Marbles (c. 3000 BCE): The Earliest Known PlaythingsMarbles are among the oldest known toys, with evidence suggesting the Ancient Egyptians played with them as early as 3000 BCE. Archaeologists have discovered small, rounded game pieces in tombs and settlements, believed to have been used for children's play and possibly even gambling or religious rituals. These early marbles were likely simple yet meaningful, offering entertainment while also developing hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking. Given the Egyptians' belief in the afterlife, the presence of toys in burial sites suggests they may have held symbolic value, ensuring play continued beyond death.Egyptian marbles were typically made from clay, stone, or glass. Some were hand-molded and baked, while others were polished smooth from natural materials. Their simplicity contrasts with later marbles found in Greece and Rome, which became more decorative. While specific rules of early marble games remain unknown, their existence shows how play was an integral part of daily life, even in one of history’s most advanced civilizations. The British Museum and The Met Museum hold ancient Egyptian toys, including marbles, and free-use images may be found on Wikimedia Commons or museum digital archives.

Ancient Egyptian Wooden Paddle Dolls (c. 2080–1990 BCE): The Oldest Known DollsWooden paddle dolls are some of the earliest surviving dolls, dating back to the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt (c. 2080–1990 BCE). These simple yet beautifully crafted figures were found in tombs, suggesting they held both playful and ritualistic significance. Some scholars believe they were children's toys, while others suggest they represented dancers or fertility symbols due to their exaggerated, painted hair and curvaceous forms. Their presence in burials indicates they may have also been used as funerary objects, ensuring the deceased had companionship and entertainment in the afterlife.Paddle dolls were made from flat wooden pieces, often carved into a simple body shape with a rounded head. The lower half lacked legs, but the figures were adorned with painted details and beaded string hair, giving them a distinctive appearance. Many were discovered in tombs at Deir el-Bahari and Asasif, near Thebes, and are now displayed in museums worldwide. Notable examples can be found in The British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology.

Chaturanga (c. 1000 BCE): The Indian Origins of ChessChaturanga, an ancient Indian strategy game played as early as 1000 BCE, is considered the direct predecessor of chess. Originating in the Gupta Empire (c. 4th–6th century CE but with possible earlier roots), the game’s name means “four divisions of the military”, referring to the pieces representing infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots, which later evolved into the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook. Played on an 8x8 grid, Chaturanga emphasized tactical warfare and required players to think ahead, much like modern chess. The game spread from India to Persia, where it became Shatranj, eventually reaching Europe and evolving into the chess we know today.Chaturanga was traditionally played with wooden or ivory pieces on cloth or carved wooden boards. The game’s popularity in ancient India reflected its cultural and military significance, as it was used to train strategic thinking among warriors and nobility. Surviving references to Chaturanga can be found in ancient Sanskrit texts, and early game boards have been discovered in archaeological sites across India. Today, Chaturanga’s legacy is preserved in museums such as The National Museum in New Delhi and The Indian Museum in Kolkata.