Wooden Doll
Mossi, Burkina Faso
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Thomas Wheelock collection. Pace Primitive, NYC. Drs. Noble and Jean Endicott, NYC
This well-handled and deeply patinated doll is a traditional figure made from one piece of wood standing on a broader base. The doll displays the characteristics of an adult woman, with suggestions of facial features and elaborate hairstyle with mature female breasts that represent the fulfillment of motherhood. Scarification patterns on the body that traditionally mark passage to adulthood are also represented by carved patterns. Mossi dolls are typically carved by male blacksmiths and are given to girls for play. The child calls it biiga (“child”), and carries the doll about with her, tucking it into the waistband of her skirt, and pretends to feed, wash and groom it. Mossi dolls are also the focus of rituals associated with motherhood. When a young girl displays her doll to older women, they may respond, “May God give you many children.” Other rituals include the use of dolls to ensure fertility in marriage (accomplished by giving the doll a name). Handling the doll with care is seen as auspicious for childbearing and survival of children. Mossi dolls are passed down through female generations, and before a woman gives birth, she washes the doll she played with in childhood before washing her own baby.
Wooden Doll
Mossi, Burkina Faso
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Thomas Wheelock collection. Pace Primitive, NYC. Drs. Noble and Jean Endicott, NYC
This well-handled and deeply patinated doll is a traditional figure made from one piece of wood standing on a broader base. The doll displays the characteristics of an adult woman, with suggestions of facial features and elaborate hairstyle with mature female breasts that represent the fulfillment of motherhood. Scarification patterns on the body that traditionally mark passage to adulthood are also represented by carved patterns. Mossi dolls are typically carved by male blacksmiths and are given to girls for play. The child calls it biiga (“child”), and carries the doll about with her, tucking it into the waistband of her skirt, and pretends to feed, wash and groom it. Mossi dolls are also the focus of rituals associated with motherhood. When a young girl displays her doll to older women, they may respond, “May God give you many children.” Other rituals include the use of dolls to ensure fertility in marriage (accomplished by giving the doll a name). Handling the doll with care is seen as auspicious for childbearing and survival of children. Mossi dolls are passed down through female generations, and before a woman gives birth, she washes the doll she played with in childhood before washing her own baby.