Namshi/Namji, Fertility Doll
33 cm (1' 1"), Cameroon

The people of the Namshi, also known as Namji, live as a small ethnic group in the mountainous western part of Cameroon. They are especially known for their dolls, which are adorned with cowrie shells and glass beads. These fertility dolls were carried by women in a specially made pouch on their back. The uniqueness of the figure depicted here lies in its leather costume: Countless leather strips wrap around the stylized body. Leather cords hanging down on both sides, embellished with cowrie shells and blue glass beads, decorate the doll. The head is also wrapped in a leather strip, creating an almost turban-like impression. The eyes are represented by two ceramic beads. This is a rare and extraordinary cult object.
Collection: G.F. Vesely, AT