Indonesian Grass Dolls a Hit
12/24/2008 8:52:00 AM
CHAN:
Concerns about recalled tainted toys made in China have pushed parents to look for safer alternatives to the glitzy plastic toys with flashing lights. The current craze in Indonesia is the "Horta Doll," a grass doll complete with a Mohawk made of real grass. They were developed by a group of horticultural students keen to help children understand more about agriculture.
STORY:
These women started their business back in August 2007 to churn out the dolls.
[Nisa Rahmania, Horta Doll Maker]:
"We wanted to create an educational toy that could get children closer to plants and allow them to become familiar with growing plants."
They recruited and trained housewives near the shop to make the dolls, producing 50 a day. But growing interest has encouraged them to expand production. Now they provide a steady income for housewives who make the dolls in Bogor, West Java. More than ten women gather in a house everyday to produce between 130 to 180 dolls a day.
The "Horta Doll" is packed in plastic wrap and sold via retailers or online for about a dollar or two.
One five-year-old who has the doll likes it because it's unusual.
[Icha, Five-years-old]:
"This doll is unique. It has grass."
One mother bought the "Horta Doll" as a healthier and safer toy for her children.
[Bonny Danuatmaja, Mother]:
"This toy is challenging. The kids learn how to grow grass, trim the grass, they also have to water it regularly. They have to take care of the doll. This toy educates children and teaches them about living a green lifestyle."
Her seven-year-old daughter was delighted with the organic toy.
[Emira, Likes the Doll]:
"This is cool. I can water it and cut the grass."
The grass can survive up to three months.
