A Mossi "Biiga" wood and leather fertility doll
Mid-20th century; Mossi Peoples, Burkina Faso, West Africa
Appears unmarked
The carved wood stylized female figure accented with leather wrapping, woven cane strips, and a rawhide tassel
13.5" H x 1.5" W x 4.5"D
Provenance: The Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost

Other Notes: The dolls signify motherhood and are washed and dressed and carried on the back just like a real child would be. The "Biiga" is passed on from mother to daughter or from sister to sister. The patination on the leather and wood illustrates this care and use.

Proceeds to benefit non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, indentations, and separation at joints commensurate with age and use. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.