African Namji Wood Fertility Doll w/ Leather Clothing

**Originally Listed At $300**

West Africa, Nigeria-Cameroon border, Namji / Dowayo culture, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden figure with a stylized form, wrapped in a stiff hide garment, a strand of glass beads, and a brass ring around the waist. Cowrie shells and pierced Nigerian 1973 coins are tied to the wrists. These dolls were used as toys for girls to prepare them for motherhood, and to promote fertility amongst women. Often the dolls were worn strapped to the back like a real infant. Occasionally these dolls were given to infertile women in the hope that they would aid with pregnancy. Size: 16" L x 6.5" W (40.6 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995

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#180745
Condition Report: Chips and old abrasions to wood otherwise intact. Some fraying and cracking to leather. Mineral deposits and patina to surfaces.