**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi Tribe, ca. 19th to early 20th century. A tall fertility doll carved from a single piece of wood by an artisan of the Mossi tribe. As is characteristic of Mossi dolls, this example is carved in an abstract manner with a long torso, a fan shaped narrow head, a narrow face, and a long body. The doll represents an adult woman who possesses mature breasts indicating that she represents the fulfillment of motherhood. Incised scarification patterns adorning the body that we see on this example signify the passage to adulthood. Mossi dolls are traditionally carved by male blacksmiths and given to girls for play and the attainment of fertility. According to the Children in Youth and History project, African girls call dolls such as this biiga meaning "child." Size: 1.85" W x 9" H (4.7 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#155555

Some very old, inactive insect loss on surface, notably on one side of the head and on the lower part of the figure. The underside shows a perforation, perhaps created to fit it to a stand. Rich patina and nice preservation of form and some details.