Large Namchi Antique Fertility FETISH Doll Namji / Dowayo People

This is a large fertility fetish doll decorated with a lot of antique trade beads, cowrie shells, two metal bells with no strikers and one leather talisman which was made and used by the Namchi tribe also known as the Namji people or Dowayo this last name translates to sons and daughters of the people. The Namchi People reside in Cameroon located in West Africa and are known for making and using these traditional carved wooden fertility fetish dolls which are considered among some of the finest examples of dolls in Africa by collectors and aficionados of African art alike. Each hand carved African Namchi fertility doll is a one of a kind original work of tribal art and no two dolls are exactly the same and the deigns of each differ from doll to doll with each one being completely unique, however they all still adhere to Namchi traditional custom. The Namchi fertility figures are given by mothers to their young daughters to be carried for play and to ensure each girls fertility and readiness to bare and care for children of their own. These Namchi dolls would be named, fed, talked to, cared for and be carried around everywhere by the child day and night. The dolls would be strapped to the backs of the girls and carried during the day for chores just as their mothers carry infants while working. This amazing Namchi fertility doll is one of the largest specimens I have come across so far making it an exemplary specimen of these fetish figures and must have been owned by a very well off family high in social ranking. This Namchi doll measures 21 1/2 inches tall by 6.33 inches wide and 2.60 inches thick and is decorated with a lot antique European trade beads, antique cowrie shells, two metal clam shell shaped bells which do not have strikers inside but make sound when hit together and one leather talisman sewn onto the back lower waist. This Namchi doll does stand on it's own but rather delicately balanced and would be best displayed leaning against something or would differently benefit from having a custom stand made once added into a collection. I have thousands of items to browse through from Africa and beyond so please visit my Pricetronic store Mountainamma's Marketplace.