African Tribal Art: Mossi People, Burkina Faso, Africa: Finely carved wooden adult female figure with a distinctive forelock coiffure extending down the front of its face. 20th Century. The figure has an elongated neck, mature youthful breasts and scarification adornment marks on the belly and chest. The figure is attached to a display base, as shown.

The Mossi dolls of Burkina Faso are one of the most unique fertility fetishes within the West African ethnic groups. These dolls are depicted with the features of an ideal mature woman of the Mossi culture.

Traditionally, these dolls are purchased or commissioned for a young girl from the local male blacksmith. The girls care for these little figurines like babies and call them biiga or child.

12.75H, 14H with base (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York

Good condition.

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