"Munsala" is a 9 1/2" cultural doll with a plaster-type, low-fired bisque composition shoulder head (resembling porcelain)and composition arms, and legs that are attached to a firmly stuffed cloth body with floppy shoulders and thighs. Please notice that the doll's legs have been originally string tied to her cloth torso, and possibly her arms too.  Paint has chipped from the front & back of her black painted legs, her shoes, and her left hand from age and storage. "Munsala" 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. "Munsala" is not tagged. She is a lovely doll with painted one stroke brown brows, gray-blue eyes detailed with upper liner, delicate lashes, a well modeled nose, rosy cheeks, and a "Cupid’s bow" red closed mouth.  Her short reddish brown hair (thinned) has been styled with a plaid headband that coordinates with her plaid scarf.  She is dressed authentically in the costuming of the "Munsala" province in Finland.  Both she and her costuming sustain soil, discoloration/foxing (more notably the costume's white portions), and spotting from age and storage. Her blue vest suffers a couple of holes.  The doll's face also sustains the scuffs, nicks, and soil commensurate with age.  In traditional Finnish costuming, wearing ribbons signified an unmarried woman, whereas wearing a cap denoted a married woman.  In her detailed costuming, "Munsala" is a lovely 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."