Namji doll - Namji - Cameroon
04
days
20
hours
57
minutes
06
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,200
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Namji doll from Cameroon, wooden sculpture of the Namji culture, 34 × 12 × 6 cm, original, with stand, provenance Verbeemen Collection, Belgium.
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Description from the seller
Traditional Namji (or Namchi) statues or dolls are easily identifiable among the rich African statuary. Their extremely simplified shape, straight legs spread in the same plane as the arms, minimalist spherical head and excessively colored bead necklaces are among the elements of identification.
These African dolls from Cameroon were sometimes considered as objects sculpted for purely commercial purposes, to meet the demand of colonists, Germans in particular, for souvenir objects to bring back to Europe.
We know that this is not the case, these figures were offered to women by their fiancé and worn by them in order to ensure their fertility as well as offspring.
The doll represents the future unborn child.
It has also been reported that women without children or milk touch or press these figures so that their desire for motherhood comes true.
Provenance:
From the Verbeemen Collection, Belgium
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateTraditional Namji (or Namchi) statues or dolls are easily identifiable among the rich African statuary. Their extremely simplified shape, straight legs spread in the same plane as the arms, minimalist spherical head and excessively colored bead necklaces are among the elements of identification.
These African dolls from Cameroon were sometimes considered as objects sculpted for purely commercial purposes, to meet the demand of colonists, Germans in particular, for souvenir objects to bring back to Europe.
We know that this is not the case, these figures were offered to women by their fiancé and worn by them in order to ensure their fertility as well as offspring.
The doll represents the future unborn child.
It has also been reported that women without children or milk touch or press these figures so that their desire for motherhood comes true.
Provenance:
From the Verbeemen Collection, Belgium
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Namji
Country of Origin
Cameroon
Material
wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Namji doll
Height
34 cm
Width
12 cm
Depth
6 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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