This is a family of tsukushi doll (horsetail spore stalks). Tsukushi is the Japanese name for the fertile stems of the Horsetail plant. The fertile stems are also viewed as a symbol of spring, as the upright stems suddenly appear, announcing the coming warmer weather and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Nowadays, sandpaper is so accessible but from the past, the wood workers used this plant for the final finish of woodworking products. The stems were boiled and dried for polishing purposes.
This plant inspired woodworkers to create this type of tsukushi doll.
