Cristina Garach Sánchez Yebra, an early years Montessori governess, always seeks innovative ways to engage young children with activities like arts and crafts, glass painting, and sculpting with Play-Doh. Working with a family in Abu Dhabi, she crafted a thumb-sized clay figurine resembling an Emirati woman, which captivated the children. This experience inspired her to hand-paint and style over 200 wooden peg dolls to depict a typical Emirati family, complete with cultural elements such as miniature Persian carpets and palm trees.

Capturing the essence of Emirati culture

Originally from Spain, Garach has worked extensively as a Montessori teacher and nanny in Ireland and Spain. Since 2020, she has been working with Emirati families in Abu Dhabi, designing activities centered around Emirati traditions and celebrations like Ramadan, Eid, and the UAE National Day. Despite the prevalence of mass-produced Western-inspired toys, Garach noticed a lack of toys reflecting Emirati culture that children could relate to.

Her meticulous work on these dolls allows her to immerse herself in Emirati culture, paying attention to details like traditional attire and colors unique to the region. Each doll is carefully painted or dressed in colors that resonate with Emirati aesthetics, ensuring authenticity and cultural representation.

Gearing up for Eid

Showcasing her collection during a Google Meet session, Garach displays her dolls arranged on Persian rugs, surrounded by miniature palm trees and cardboard houses. She meticulously crafts each doll, incorporating unique hairstyles and traditional Emirati attire like abayas and hijabs, tailored to represent the diversity within the culture.

Garach plans to offer these dolls as personalized, made-to-order gifts, especially with Eid approaching. Her creations aim to provide children with a set of dolls representing a traditional Emirati family unit, fostering a sense of identity and connection among the young recipients.

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