Dukke

Dukke is the Danish and Norwegian word for a doll, a human-shaped toy used for play, education, display, or collection. Dolls come in many forms and sizes, ranging from soft cloth dolls to hard-bodied porcelain or vinyl figures. They may be designed as infants, fashion dolls, or art dolls, and many have movable joints or articulated limbs to allow posing.

Common materials include fabric, vinyl, plastic, resin, and porcelain. Some dolls are fully synthetic, while others use cloth stuffing or wooden cores. Accessory items such as clothes, footwear, and miniatures are often part of the doll’s presentation.

Historically, dolls are among the oldest known toys, appearing in various cultures for centuries. In Europe, porcelain dolls became especially popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries, while modern manufacturing produces both mass-market and collectible dolls. Collectors and hobbyists may focus on specific genres, such as fashion dolls, character dolls, or artist dolls.

For safety and care, parents and collectors should follow material-specific guidance: avoid small parts for young children, clean dolls with appropriate methods, and store away from extreme heat or moisture. Display dolls should be kept away from sunlight to prevent fading; soft dolls may require gentle washing, while hard dolls can be wiped with a damp cloth. Outside of play, dukke also holds cultural significance in Scandinavian design and art, appearing in literature, film, and museum collections.