The manta: a Moroccan folk object

In Morocco we have a traditional blanket called a manta. This folk object is always made of thick wool and is usually handwoven by old women. There are no typical symbols on it, but it is often made with white and black or brown stripes. When you touch it you can feel its roughness and when folded, it is very heavy to carry.

The manta is usually used for sleeping on the floor, and it is used as a mattress on the carpet. This blanket is most of the time passed down from generation to generation.

I remember once, when I was about five years old with my mother, we went to my grandma’s house. Every night for weeks, we slept on the floor using the manta. I loved to spread out the blanket on the living room floor; I folded it once crosswise. Then we put some pillows on it and lay down like in a bed. I think that made us closer.

submitted by ACB
class: Insights 1

A doll as a folk object

It is a doll of medium height, around 40 cm, and made with old fabrics. This very old doll – I've had it for about 20 years – is wearing a kind of red and patterned coverall sewn on it. She has a baby bib with the name of the brand “Jaccadi” written on it. When I got it, I do not remember my age, but I was a very little girl, maybe one or two years old. When my parents bought it, she had a hat, but now she only has around fifteen stands of hair made of wool on her head. It was a gift from my father or my mother.

I think I keep this doll to remind me of my childhood before my parents divorced. I never sleep with the doll but she is still on my bed. That is why, perhaps, the doll is still fluffy even though I don't use it as a regular doll anymore.

submitted by ACB
class: Insights 1

A soccer ball as a folk object

My special object is a soccer ball, which is now on a shelf in my room. I used it when I was small, from 4 to 13 years old, with my father and my friends. First, the ball was all white, but I used it on the street and everywhere, so now it's dirty, completely brown, and is so flat that it can’t be used anymore.

My grandpa gave it to me, then shortly thereafter, I decided to play soccer. This is why I played soccer for 15 years. My grandpa already passed away, so the ball is a memento that can connect me to my grandfather.

submitted by Tsubasa Shiina

class: Insights 1