Sugar doll

Sugar doll, gift from a boy to a young girl at Vrigstad market, Småland, 1901. These dolls were sold for 50 öre by the ladies in the market stalls. Made in Jönköping, Växjö, Eksjö.

NM.0199473

MARKET TREATS
As sugar and the monetary economy spread to the rural areas, sweets bought at the market became a special treat. The markets attracted the locals, maids and farm hands, as an opportunity to meet and maybe exchange gifts. Rhymes on sweets became a way of communicating. Sweets could be used in courtship, to propose or to break up. Small market dolls made of sugar were popular gifts for someone special. They were often saved as mementos.