These cut-out 'paper dolls' represent historical figures that will help you learn more about Asian culture and samurai warriors. They will work best if you either print them on extra-heavy paper. If that is not possible, print them on regular paper, cut them out, then glue them to cardboard or extra heavy paper and cut around their edges to give them a strong backing. Be sure to be careful when cutting them out--or have Mom, Dad, or an older brother, sister, or friend do the cutting for you. Have fun!


Dalai Lama Cutout (2 of 2)






The Dalai Lama is the highest religious figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Many Japanese samurai also believed in Buddhism, but belonged to a different school or sect, just as some Christians belong to Protestant, Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox churches. These paper doll cut outs represent the current, or 14th Dalai Lama, who lives in India and travels all over the world. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. With these cut-outs, you can dress him in his regular monk's robes or his fancy ceremonial costume.
Courtesy of Dover Publications