Africa, Cameroon, Fali people, ca. 20th century CE. A lovely African Fali fertility doll decorated with cowrie shells, a brass bell, a brass button, old European coins, and countless strands of glass beads of vibrant hues such as periwinkle, sea green royal blue, tangerine orange, cherry red, sky blue, and lemon yellow, as well as earthtones and neutrals like sienna, acorn brown, cream, grey, black, and white. The beads are wrapped in an intricate manner. Note the strands wrapped around the neck, additional strands crossed over the torso, a band wrapped around the waist, and a cluster wrapped horizontally to suggest crossed legs. The wooden oblong head is topped with beaded string to represent the coiffure adorned by a French 5 centimes coin dated 1923 with strands of larger beads protruding. Size: 8.625" H (21.9 cm); 9.875" H (25.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Clusters of cowrie shells radiating from central coins may represent the figure's hands and feet. The Fali people traditionally carried such fertility figures for good fortune in conception and childbirth.
Provenance: private Glendale, Arizona, USA collection, collected from 1970 to 2000
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#152499
Condition
Some losses to beaded strands but the vast majority remain. Minor fraying to a few ends of the strings/threads used for hair. Brass elements and coin have developed a wonderful age patina.