African Arts Gallery

This schematic sculpture, whose appearance of the head varies depending on the region, represents a spirit with whom a relationship is established. The element falling in front of the face evokes the braid worn by little girls, the incisions and scarifications of the ethnic group. Glossy dark patina.
Among many ethnic groups, the search for fertility is done through initiation rites. Wooden figures will be carved, some reflecting both genders, in many cases covered with beads and clothing. During the period of seclusion, the doll, which becomes a child who requires to be fed, washed and anointed daily, becomes the girl's only companion. After the initiation, they will be carried on the women's backs, or attached to their necks. Wooden dolls (biiga), carved in their free time by blacksmiths in Burkina Faso, are given to girls and boys by their parents. The wealthier Mossi buy plastic dolls. In the case where the girl does not give birth, a larger doll is sculpted to treat her like a real newborn. The doll will not be abandoned after the birth of the child, the mother will continue to take care of it. If the birth has not taken place, the doll will be offered as an educational toy to a child. (Elisabeth L.Cameron)