Lot 236
West Africa, Nigeria-Cameroon border, Namji / Dowayo culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An intriguing wooden figure presenting a stylized body wrapped in iron wire and strands of animal hide with glass and shell beads adorning the neck. Decoratively incised with circular dots and diagonal and parallel striations, the figure displays wide hips and shoulders with a slender midsection and attenuated limbs. The spherical head exhibits minimalist features with annular eyes and a straight mouth, all surmounted by a flared headdress and supported by an elongated neck. Size: 5.8" W x 19.1" H (14.7 cm x 48.5 cm); 20.7" H (52.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Dolls such as these were given to young Namji girls as a toy doll but also to prepare her for motherhood. In addition, caring for such dolls was believed to promote fertility. 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. They were commissioned from a carver for this purpose after which they were taken to the tribes diviner nganga, who performed rituals to inject force and respect (nkinda) into the doll. In this event, such dolls became fetish objects and were provided with food offerings and care so that their power would not wane.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Richard S. Ravenal collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#173910
- Condition: Professionally repaired with some break lines painted over and others visible. Stable fissures to right arm and some tears and small losses to animal hide. Expected nicks and minor chips throughout. Otherwise, very nice with rich patina.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |