Wooden Doll

Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th c.

Provenance: Alan Davis collection, acquired in the 1960’s, USA

Yoruba dolls, called omolangidi (child of wood), are playthings for young girls who carry them on their backs, held in place by a baby wrapper. The heads range in form from highly abstract to very naturalistic. This example is quite large and very beautiful. It features a face that is both expressive and naturalistic, with vertical scarification marks on its forehead and cheeks. Additionally, there are four medicine gourds depicted on its forehead. Extending from the top of its head is a decorated braided coiffure. The rectangular-shaped body is adorned with beaded jewelry and it’s also decorated with carved medicine gourds and designs. In Yoruba culture, medicine gourds, or “àdó,” are often used to store medicinal and magical substances. These gourds are significant in traditional healing practices and spiritual rituals. When depicted on a Yoruba doll, such as an omolangidi, the medicine gourds symbolize the doll’s role as a protective and powerful object. They indicate that the doll is not merely a toy but also a vessel imbued with spiritual potency and healing properties. The wonderful rich patina, varying in color and distribution across the figure, is due to heavy handling.