20th C. African Mossi Leather & Wood Janiform Doll
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Description
**Originally Listed At $400**
West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi Tribe, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A carved wooden doll known as a biiga (literally "child") covered in tanned antelope hide and used for play by Mossi girls, as well as to assure fertility. The tubular body features a flared base, a pair of breasts on either side of the chest, and a braided hide necklace with dangling tassels adorning the tall neck. The Janiform head bears two faces with petite eyes above diagonal scarification bars, narrow mouths, and a mutual coiffure crest. Mossi dolls like this example are traditionally made by male artisans and given to girls for play and to ensure their attainment of fertility. Size: 2.2" W x 10.9" H (5.6 cm x 27.7 cm)
Provenance: ex-private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Dr. Peter Horvath collection, Massachusetts and Florida, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#156732
West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi Tribe, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A carved wooden doll known as a biiga (literally "child") covered in tanned antelope hide and used for play by Mossi girls, as well as to assure fertility. The tubular body features a flared base, a pair of breasts on either side of the chest, and a braided hide necklace with dangling tassels adorning the tall neck. The Janiform head bears two faces with petite eyes above diagonal scarification bars, narrow mouths, and a mutual coiffure crest. Mossi dolls like this example are traditionally made by male artisans and given to girls for play and to ensure their attainment of fertility. Size: 2.2" W x 10.9" H (5.6 cm x 27.7 cm)
Provenance: ex-private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Dr. Peter Horvath collection, Massachusetts and Florida, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#156732
Condition
Small perforations to leather along body and minor nicks to faces and coiffure, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina color on leather.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
20th C. African Mossi Leather & Wood Janiform Doll
Estimate $800 - $1,200
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Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usOffers In-House Shipping
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