Bolivian Paper Dolls
BOLIVIAN PAPER DOLL SERIES: Free to download for personal use. ©
Find them at:
** MOLAA ** Museum of Latin American Art : https://molaa.org/at-home-resources
**NMWA** National Women’s Museum of the Arts: https://nmwa.org/nmwa-at-home
I created this series of Bolivian paper dolls to represent the nine regions of Bolivia while I was teaching in the Los Angeles public school system. When the pandemic began, I wanted to share them freely so children could still learn, create, and connect through art at home. I’m grateful for the chance to give back in this way, and it makes me happy to know these dolls can bring joy and spark curiosity. - Charlene
1. Oruro, Bolivia, attracts numerous tourists to its “Carnaval de Oruro”, considered one of the great folkloric events in South America for its masked “Diablada”. In 2001, it was named a part of Bolivia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
2. Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the 14th fastest growing metropolis in the world, and home to more than 3 million people in a country with a population of 11 million. The city of Santa Cruz has become the nation’s economic powerhouse and one of South America’s most successful and sustainable towns.
3. Yungas, Bolivia
The Afro-Bolivian community resides in the Yungas region of Bolivia. “𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚” and “𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨” is a term used by people of Bolivian nationality with African roots. It is apparent in the dances and music what an impact and contribution they have given to Bolivia as a whole.
4. Cochabamba, Bolivia
Inhabited for over a thousand years, the department of Cochabamba is one of Bolivia’s most understated regions. Cochabamba has beautiful year-round weather, stunning nature reserves, and ancient archaeological sites. It is also known as the gastronomical capital and heart of Bolivia.
5. Chuquisaca, Bolivia
Chuquisaca is located in the south of Bolivia. The region is rich in culture and history. Sucre (the capital of Chuquisaca) is Bolivia’s first capital. Known as the city of four names (Charcas, La Plata, Chuquisaca, and Sucre) in 1991, UNESCO designated it a world heritage site to protect its many pristine and historical significance.
6. Tarija, Bolivia
Tarija lies to the south of Bolivia and borders Argentina and Paraguay. It is known as Bolivia’s premier grape growing region. With a Mediterranean climate, it is the ideal location for wine production. It’s got small town charm and a laid-back atmosphere. It is known as “The Capital of Smiles”.
7. Pando, Bolivia
The most northern part of Bolivia is covered with lush forests, biodiversity, and abundant flora and fauna that characterize this Amazonian region. It is situated between Peru and Brazil, whose history makes it the youngest department of Bolivia. It was officially founded at the beginning of the 20th century from what was left of the Acre Territory, lost to Brazil as a result of the Acre War (1903). At the end of the Acre War, Bolivia was left with less than 10% of its original territory.
8. La Paz, Bolivia
Situated on the Altiplano at the western border of Bolivia is the department of La Paz, a spectacular region encompassing a diverse array of landscapes and attractions. Home to the mighty mountains, sub-tropical valleys, and ancient architectural sights.
About the paper doll:
La Paz is home to the iconic Cholita. The dress of the Cholita dates back centuries ago during the period of Spanish colonization. In an effort to assimilate their new subjects into Spanish culture, they required the native inhabitants to dress in peasant attire common to Spain at the time. The natives have since adopted this wardrobe, reclaiming and taking the narrative away from what it once was; they have now made the pollera(skirt) and bowler hat distinctively Andean.
Dance Caporales: I took a poll, and the dance that won for the department of La Paz was Caporales. Caporales were created and presented to the public for the first time in 1969 by the Estrada Pacheco brothers, who were inspired in the character of the ‘Caporal’ this is the overseer of slaves and was usually mixed race, wore boots and held a whip, a dance that belongs to the region of the Yungas, Bolivia. Although Yungas is a part of the La Paz Department, and because of their significant contribution, I will be adding a Yungas paper doll with the help of @karinanogales @africanbolivianwomen.
Music:Los Kjarkas (Saya Caporal)
9. Potosí, Bolivia
Tucked away in the southwest of Bolivia is the department of Potosí. Regarded for its captivating history, ancient sights, stunning scenery, Potosí’s most sought after attraction is Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world.
Music: Waritas De Bolivia
10. Beni, Bolivia is located to the northeast of Bolivia, in the tropical lowlands. It borders Brazil and is home to a record-breaking number of animal and plant species. One of the wettest regions in Bolivia, Beni is almost completely covered in pampas and jungle. Along with its stunning flora and fauna, Beni is also a great place to learn about the many indigenous cultures that inhabit the region.