Turkana fertility doll “ikoku ngide” – Kenya – palm nut, textile and beads Details Origin: Kenya People: Turkana Type: Fertility doll, “ikoku ngide” Material(s): Three-lobed palm nut, textile, glass beads Period: 1960s–1970s Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner Dimensions: height 12 cm Stand: None Description A rare Turkana fertility doll, known as ikoku ngide, from Kenya. Among the Turkana, dolls of this type were traditionally made from a naturally three-lobed palm nut. Their powerful form comes directly from the organic shape of the nut, which evokes a simplified human body with head and lateral volumes. This example is especially appealing for its raw and archaic presence. It is not a highly adorned doll, but a very direct and intimate object, whose strength lies in its simplicity, age and honest surface. The three-lobed nut has developed a deep reddish-brown patina, glossy in places from handling. The surface shows cracks, small holes, rubbing and age-related marks, giving the object a strong sense of use and time. The doll retains a black cape or garment around the upper body, with a very restrained decoration of small white beads at the back. This minimal adornment reinforces the austere character of the piece and contrasts beautifully with the polished dark surface of the nut. Such adornments were traditionally made or renewed by female relatives, often mothers or older sisters, and these dolls could be kept, handled and maintained over long periods. This example has a particularly sincere and ethnographic quality, far from decorative excess. A very appealing Turkana ikoku ngide, appreciated for its rare three-lobed palm nut form, raw presence, restrained bead decoration and beautiful old usage patina. Condition Good condition overall, with wear, cracks, small holes, rubbing, surface irregularities and age-related marks consistent with age and use. Small old loss to the left eye area. Black cape / garment preserved, with small white bead decoration at the back. Beautiful old usage patina. Please refer to the photographs. Included The doll only. No stand included.