Doll - Wood - Moshi-Dagomba - Burkina Faso

Fecundity dolls are carried by pregnant women, who must not let their eyes on deformed beings or objects, fearing that their child might look like them. On the contrary, looking at idealised beauty is supposed to favour the beauty of their progeny. The Biga - child - is an educational toy for young girls. Transmitted from mother to daughter or between sisters, it is solicited to favour a birth and it represents a substitute for the baby, the young girl will learn how to take care of it, in anticipation of her role of mother. When the first child is born, it is said that the doll receives specific care. Figurines smeared with palm oil would have a magical use of protection.