Fertility
Doll ‘Biiga’
Mossi; Burkina Faso
Early 20th Century
Ex: Private NYC Collection
This is a fine example of a Mossi "biiga" doll. Dolls like this
example are procured by young women to help promote fertility. This doll
in particular shows a long period of use and care. Wrapped in leather;
this doll has acquired a fine patina from being rubbed with ritual butters
and oils. The creases and folds of the leather on this piece give the
object a sense of tension; like the wooden figure beneath it wants to
escape its wrappings. The fine features of the wooden doll can be easily
seen on this example; which is rare; many dolls that are wrapped in leather
have a more 'cloaked' look; showing no details. In excellent condition.
This doll stands 12 inches tall.
SOLD / IN 2005
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