A group of Ndebele beaded fertility dolls
20th century; Zimbabwe, South Africa
Each appears unmarked
Comprising ten different "fertility" dolls, each with cylindrical wooden bodies, wrapped in cotton, and decorated with metal rings, various materials, and dense all-over beadwork, 10 pieces
Largest:11.5" H x 4.5" Dia.; smallest: 8" H x 7" W x 3" D
Provenance: The Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost

Other Notes: One of several dolls used in Ndebele culture to commemorate transitional phases of life, a fertility doll is given to a new bride after her wedding ceremony to encourage fertility and signify her new social status as a married woman. Cared for and cherished until her first child, the doll prepares the young woman for parenthood and is thought to bring good luck.

Proceeds to benefit non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Each overall good condition with minor wear, surface dust, and surface grime commensurate with age. As well each doll has scattered loose threads and lost beads. One braided length of beading with beaded rings strung on it has disconnected from its figure. 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.