Fertility doll - Namji - Cameroon
04
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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 € 170 - € 200
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Fertility doll from the Namji people of Cameroon, carved in wood with shell and beads, 62 cm high with a 20 × 15 cm base, dating to the late 20th century, in good condition, sold with a custom stand, provenance: former private Italian collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Great fertility doll from the Namji people of Cameroon. The doll represents the child desired by everyone, and is at the same time a "women's fertility fetish doll" that is meant to ensure their fecundity. Therefore, it has the power to fulfill a woman’s desire of giving birth. It is also said that childless or milk-less women touch or squeeze the dolls that fulfilled women’s desires so that their wishes come true. Since the birth of a child has a significant impact on the status of a couple, psychological blocks can occur. In fact, a woman without children is considered an imperfect creature. The doll is an artificial placebo that helps to unblock the situation. Good condition with a rich patina of age.
Provenance: former private Italian collection. Includes a custom-made stand.
In geval van verzenden wordt het kavel zorgvuldig verpakt en aangetekend + verzekerd verzonden.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Great fertility doll from the Namji people of Cameroon. The doll represents the child desired by everyone, and is at the same time a "women's fertility fetish doll" that is meant to ensure their fecundity. Therefore, it has the power to fulfill a woman’s desire of giving birth. It is also said that childless or milk-less women touch or squeeze the dolls that fulfilled women’s desires so that their wishes come true. Since the birth of a child has a significant impact on the status of a couple, psychological blocks can occur. In fact, a woman without children is considered an imperfect creature. The doll is an artificial placebo that helps to unblock the situation. Good condition with a rich patina of age.
Provenance: former private Italian collection. Includes a custom-made stand.
In geval van verzenden wordt het kavel zorgvuldig verpakt en aangetekend + verzekerd verzonden.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Namji
Country of Origin
Cameroon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Shell, Beads, Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Fertility doll
Height
62 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
15 cm
Weight
1500 g
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