African Arts Gallery

The coronation of marriage in African art.
Great Fali engagement doll, the Fali living in North Cameroon, but also on the border of Nigeria and Chad.
Around a wooden structure, the doll is entirely trimmed with a multitude of multicolored pearl necklaces depicting the body and braided hair.
The arms are made of leather straps with the ends decorated with cauris.
This type of African fetish doll is carried like a child, in the back of the young woman. and is offered to her among others present by her fiancé who chooses the sex.
It is therefore a guarantee of marriage and the hope of starting a family. The young woman will take care of the doll until the birth of the first child, then separate from it
The size and weight of the doll reinforce the bride's commitment.

http://www.alienor.org/publications/en-pays-fali/sexe-fecondite.php