Africa, Cameroon, Fali people, ca. early to mid 20th century. A lovely African Fali fertility twins doll decorated with cowrie shells, coins, hide, and countless strands of glass beads of vibrant hues such as sea green, sunflower yellow, cherry red, sky blue, black, and white. The beads are wrapped in a manner so as to suggest a shared body with two identical heads. Note the strands wrapped around their necks, additional strands crossed over the shared torso, a band wrapped around the waist, and a cluster wrapped horizontally to suggest crossed legs. The wooden oblong heads are topped with beaded threads to represent hair and old coins placed at the top center 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 twin figure's hands and feet. Finally, at the lower end of the ample beaded belt, wonderful leather covered pod ornaments grace the figure. 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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#152498
Condition
Some losses to beaded strands but the vast majority remain. Minor fraying to a few ends of the string/thread used for hair. Coins have developed a wonderful age patina. Hide elements show nice age wear as well.