Description:

**Originally Listed At $250**

West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wooden fertility doll, carved in the abstract style characteristic of the Mossi people. Fashioned from a single piece of wood and polished to a smooth, rich brown patina from use or play, the figure displays a long, cylindrical torso and conical breasts. The narrow fan-shaped head features a minimalist face with close-set eyes. Incised scarification motifs adorn the surface - symbolic of rites of passage and maturity. Traditionally carved by male blacksmiths, dolls like this were gifted to young girls, serving both as toys and as sacred objects believed to promote fertility. As the girls matured, the dolls became spiritual companions, representing hopes for motherhood and reinforcing social ideals around womanhood and family lineage. Size: 3.75" W x 13.5" H (9.5 cm x 34.3 cm); 13.75" H (34.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

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.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#194719

  • Condition: Lustrous patina throughout. Old gouge and chips to the base and head, but otherwise excellent. Mounted on a custom metal base.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

December 29, 2025 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Buyer's Premium
$1 - $249,999:
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$250,000+:
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500