Description:

West Africa, Nigeria-Cameroon border, Namji / Dowayo culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden figure with a stylized form that is wrapped in a red-dyed cloth garment. The figure presents with angular limbs, a slender waist, and a petite head bearing inlaid shell eyes. 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: 2.2" L x 5.7" W x 11.2" H (5.6 cm x 14.5 cm x 28.4 cm)

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

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#180490

  • Condition: Repairs to both legs and left shoulder as shown. Abrasions and fading to surface pigment, with desiccation to cloth wrapping, otherwise in great condition. Nice form.

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February 16, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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