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 dolls for women who had trouble conceiving; the doll 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 they 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 wooden figure of a human form with a narrow torso and wide hips and shoulders. The hands and feet are represented by round knobs. The face consists of small eyes and a closed mouth. Geometric patterns are carved into the figure and there is a string tied around the waist. Patches of human hair are attached to the top of the head.
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