Russian Culture Monday: Political Matryoshka Dolls
Monday July 6, 2009
Obama is visiting Russia this week, and most people are wondering how the trip will affect US-Russian relations. "Anti-American" sentiments currently impede the prospect of closer ties between the Kremlin and Washington, though Hilary Clinton tried to break the ice and set goals for a new arms treaty earlier this year.
Whether or not you're interested in politics or foreign relations, you can take advantage of how Russian culture capitalizes on current events by adding an Obama matryoshka doll to your Russian souvenir collection. Matryoshka dolls of political leaders also make creative conversation pieces and timely gifts. Russian leaders matryoshka dolls have long been popular, and their presence is now expected at stalls that sell more traditional style matryoshki. Political matryoshka dolls typically feature the current leader on the largest doll with past leaders hidden inside. You can find these dolls when you travel to Russia or purchase them online.
More Russian Culture Monday
- The Tretyakov Gallery
- Russian's Love for Ice Cream
- Stalinist Architecture
- Russian Culture Monday Archive
Obama and Medvedev Matryoshka Dolls photo credit: Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images,
Comments
Kerry… can you recommend a place to purchase the Obama nesting dolls? Don’t know why, but.. I really want one! Appreciate it. Which is the best manufacturer or are they made by small shops everywhere?
Hi Terry,
The Russian Store has a couple of designs, and if you don’t like what you see there, someone there may be able to procure something different for you. Barring that, online auction sites also carry these dolls. When it comes to matryoshka dolls, what really counts is that you find one that you like – the artists who craft these dolls interpret their designs or portraits in various ways. Some will take a humorous angle and others will create accurate likenesses. Shop around until you find the Obama matryoshka doll that really strikes your fancy. “Obama matryoshka” might not bring up many search terms; you’ll have better luck with “Obama nesting doll.”
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