In Russia making wooden objects, which fit inside each other, have been a tradition that has carried on for centuries. Over the years the objects evolved from figurines to dolls.These dolls were made and painted by Russian and Ukrainian craftsman. In the late 19th century these nesting dolls were given the name of "matreshka" or "matryoshka" The name of these dolls stem from the root word "maternity". In old Russia these dolls were passed down from generation to generation with each generation adding a bigger doll to the set. It is believed that this family matreshka is suppose to to keep good luck and peace in the family. Matreshka dolls can be very small with only 2 pieces on up to over 40 pieces. They can be very simple and inexpensive or they can be very detailed and very expensive where the most expensive dolls are purchased as investments by investors. Matreshka's are a highly collectible item. Stackdoll $95.00 Small stackdoll $30.00