means Harmony in Kiswahili.
Her name makes you wonder if she was born in Africa. Her eyes, deep dark blue, makes you ask if she has Scandinavian genes. Her hair, black and silky, makes you think that she is of Hispanic, Asian or Latino descent. The answer reveals that she is all this and more. In her, we can each identify our heritage. And no matter whether North or South of the equator, East or West in longitude, we are one....a world in Harmony...a world encapsulated in Maelewano.
She is a wish for the world...a world in conflict, a sea of humanity struggling to find it's identity as it goes to war with itself and the supporting life system surrounding it. This is a wish in magnitude ill proportionate to a small soul who stands a mere 6 inches tall and with feet no larger than half a grown thumb. Though the weight of the world is on her itty-bitty shoulders, she seems not to notice at all the burden. Look into her joyful eyes and notice her round chubby cheeks and you shall see nothing but playfulness and delight....an indication of innocence.
Today, as I frolicked around the house fretting over the state of the world, she followed at my feet asking only of things that are big and important, "can she swing on an ornament? will I push her higher and higher please?"
"do I think she can roll this ball all over the house using just her belly, no hands or feet?"
"can I help her roll the big ball around? it's too big for her to push herself."
And when she got tired of playing, she stretched up her arms and asked "if I can pick YOU up."
And when I had to disappoint her and say "no, I have a lot of things to make happen since it's Christmas time and all and can she just go play or find something else to do by herself?" she just sprawled on the floor and paid me no further mind.
Later, I came back and found her standing at the window, looking out into the world, musing at the rain and a cold, gray sky. To her, the world is in harmony when there is rain and the winds move through to unsettle the leaves that dangle by a last thread as winter sets its course and makes the seasons go round as it should.
Maelewano is a Wee-Bee Mini Elfcup. She stands less than 6" (15 cm) tall. She is made with all natural materials. Her doll skin is made with premium quality cotton jersey imported from Europe. She is firmly stuffed with bio-wool made in Oregon. Her seams are sewn twice for reinforcement. Her dark mane is made of wefted Suri alpaca, a luxurious, ultra-soft and silky fiber. Suri alpaca has natural crimps and waves in the fiber, hence giving Maelewano a full bodied, yet wispy and silky hair. Her hair can can be tied and styled lightly. She has embroidered facial features and a happy go-lucky expression. Her facial structure is slightly sculpted. Her cheeks, nose and various body parts are blushed with red beeswax. She is a sitting doll with sewn joints that are made flexible for easy movement and changing of clothes. She has a sweet belly button and a bum.
Maelewano comes wearing a cotton black and white striped dress with lace trim. Her dress opens fully on the back with nickel-free hand-sewn snaps. Her scarlet bonnet and Mary Janes are hand knit using Isager 100% alpaca yarn.
Maelewano comes with her favorite toy...a felted wool, black and white spiral ball, made into a Christmas tree ornament with a ribbon securely attached. The ornament ball measures 13 inches (33 cm) in circumference and 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Her ball will keep her entertained for hours as she swings on it, lays on it, rolls on it, under it, round and about.
Maelewano is recommended for ages 4+ due to the nature of her delicate design and the small parts on her that may pose as choking hazards for children who still enjoy exploring with their mouths. If you are interested in bringing Maelewano home, she is now available in the Etsy shop.
