"Pekka Asikkala" is a 10" cultural folk boy doll with a plaster-type, low-fired bisque composition shoulder head (resembling porcelain) that is attached to a firmly stuffed cloth body with floppy shoulders and thighs. He was handcrafted in Finland circa the 1930s-on by Martta Nukketeollisuus in Turku. Martta's company produced traditional Finnish folk dolls from 1908 into the 1970s. Originally Martta's dolls, except for their heads, were handmade and expertly costumed by Finnish housewives to help them earn income. Later, during the 1930s, the dolls' shoulder heads were finally manufactured in Finland. "Pekka Asikkala" is not tagged. In her reference book about Martta dolls, MARTTANUKET, NUKKEAATELISET, Marjatta Lamminen displays a photo of a similar boy doll with his tag intact that reads "Pekka//Asikkala."  Lamminen comments that though Pekka's tag reads that he is from Asikkala, his folk costuming is erroneous and does not conform to the provincial male folk costuming of Asikkala.  Pekka is a handsome doll with painted one stroke brown brows, blue eyes detailed with upper liner, a well molded nose, lightly rosy cheeks, and a pleasant red closed mouth. His dark golden blonde, side parted painted hair is molded in "waves."  He wears a red striped jacket detailed with gold tone buttons, tangerine colored knickers embellished with buttons and fancy stitching, a blue and white check "dickey," and a brown felt hat that is strung to his head.  He remains in sturdy condition with light wear, soil, and imperfections to his composition commensurate with age.  Pekka is a handsome tribute to an earlier folk culture that is fast fading. Some of the Martta dolls were sold through Kimport.

PLEASE study the photos carefully and email with all questions! My photos detail her condition accurately. Though I have tried to provide an honest and detailed description, I may have omitted information that is important to you. I have also provided photos that "speak volumes."