Fertility Doll - Mossi People - Burkina Faso (4744)

Price: $1,600.00


 


The Mossi dolls are carved by village smiths and carvers. They are used for play and magic. The female figure is always depicted without arms & legs. Sometimes they are covered with shells & leather. Quite a few of the dolls have a downward protrusion from the forehead representing the hairdo of an unmarried Mossi girl. A large number of the dolls are phallic in shape indicating fertility. Even scholars have difficulty distinguishing which dolls are used for play & which are used for magic. A few scholars believe that those dolls that are rubbed with palm butter indicate magical use.

9"H x 3"W x 3"D

Please contact gallery for price.