Finely carved female wood fertility doll. She wears necklaces and belts made of beads in coral and yellow. Scarification on her face, neck and arms. The halo like head is pierced all around, and has crescent moon shaped designs carved in high relief on the reverse. Size 12 1/2" H

The history of fertility dolls originates in southern Ghana. Ashanti women who could not get pregnant would commission a wood carving of a small wooden doll. They would care for the doll as if their own child, and soon become pregnant.

Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.

As-is condition with some surface wear and scratches commensurate with age, minor loss to top as shown.