Matadors in the sand

It was in the late 60's, while living a gypsylife somewhere on the coast of Spain, that these little clay treasures first came to life. As we traveled from campground to campground, the tiny shops on the premises seemed to always have a collection of these 'miniature clay children' for sale. Each little 'doll' had the same big eyes and round little mouth. My brother who is 4 years younger than me, and I would save all our pennies, beg and barter for more, and then rush to see what new little people were available. My brother preferred the noble Matadors and black bulls, while I liked the sweet Flamenco dancers and pretty ladies. After trading our pennies for treasures, we would run to the beach and begin building our ideal village. The village center (we had definite priorities) was always a huge bull-ring, with a driftwood fence, seashell seats and flags fashioned of seaweed. The dance-floor (certainly of same or higher priority!) was just as big, sometimes even located inside the bull-ring!, fashioned with a pebble and seashell mosaic, and little crabs and starfish as doormen. We spent long wonderful hours in the sun, inventing games, romances, and of course - great battles. As we traveled, some of the figures were accidentally left behind, (hopefully discovered by another unsuspecting child) others lost legs, arms and hats. Although worn around the edges, and less a few limbs, today they wait patiently (in a large clay bowl on our coffee table) for new playmates to bring life back to them again.

Comments

[Marie-Noëlle]

It's amazing how we can learn and see so many various habits and ways of life throughout the world, even from wee dollies!
I learn every day and I like it!
Thank you!

[angela]

oh, i love reading stories like this.

and it so seems, that each of these little treasures have a story of their own, given and narrated by you and your brother.

and yes, treasures are meant to be treasured... always.

reading this made me feel lovely fine.

angela.

[lauren Mumford]

Such precious memories! It's so fun that you still own them.

l

[joanna]

Oh I hope they get some new play mates soon, what a wonderful time they have had on the beach.