Fruchtbarkeitspuppe - Wood, fur, pearls, snail shell, fabric etc. - Namchi - North Cameroon

Provenance: ex.
-R. Duperrier, Antiquites & Arts Primitivfs, Pari The Namchi or Dowayo (Dowayo - sons/daughters of people) from the mountain ranges in northern Cameroon are famous for making dolls, considered by collectors and lovers of African art to be the best in Africa. The Namchi dolls are made in wood by blacksmiths. They are recognisable by their relatively small head and elongated neck. Such wooden dolls (with no additional decoration) are used as toys by girls as they prepare for motherhood. The girls carry these dolls strapped to their backs, in the same way mothers carry their children. However, as with many other African communities, these dolls can play a different role in aiding fertility. Women wanting offspring use it as a magical ‘means’ of help in this regard. In connection with this, the dolls are decorated with beads, beaded necklaces, cowrie shells, metal bells, amulets and leather straps, whilst the eyes are decorated with two tiny coloured beads. Women carry the dolls on them, put them in their clothes and take care of them like a real child. By doing this, the willingness of the women to become mothers is communicated to members of the community.