Figure
Dowayo; Northern Cameroon
Description
Subject Matter:
This figure was most likely made by the Dowayo peoples of Cameroon—also called Namchi or Namji. Blacksmiths created wooden figures for women who had trouble conceiving; the sculpture was then decorated with beads to resemble a newly initiated woman. As a symbol of potential motherhood, women would treat the 'doll' as a real child until she became pregnant.
References Cited:
Cameron, Elisabeth L. 1997. “In Search of Children: Dolls and Agency in Africa.” African Arts, Vol. 30, No. 2: pp. 18-33, 93.
Physical Description:
Carved human figure with a columnar torso and neck, and wide shoulders and hips. The limbs of the figure are straight. The head is small with a curved coiffure or headdress. There are small eyes and a mouth on the face. The neck and torso of the figure are wrapped with strings of beads, mostly white or light colored. Each wrist has a strip of leather wrapped around with a fringe hanging down the back.
Usage Rights:
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