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

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#156732

Small perforations to leather along body and minor nicks to faces and coiffure, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina color on leather.