Likely originating from the Kenyan Coastal Region around Mombasa. Made from a hard and dense wood the body of the doll, flared at the base, has a deep glossy patina as a result of extensive handling over time. Multiple stands of glass beads of red and white have been fastened to the head of the doll. The piece has wonderful simplistic yet abstract appearance. Like many traditional customs in Eastern and Southern Africa where such use was widespread, dolls were kept and treated like a real baby so the girl would successfully bear a child.
Estimated Period: 1950's
Ex Private Collection, France
H: 28cm
W (Base): 7.5cm
W (Top): 10cm
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