Namchi Bone Fertility Doll, Based

Stout little figure in a fibrous coat with shell buttons and a beaded belt.

This fertility doll on a base from the Namchi is Namchi, from Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood, bone & metal. The Namchi, also known as Namji, live in northern Cameroon and neighboring Chad, and they are known for carved wooden dolls decorated with beads. Smooth dark head with a small face and a cowrie at the neck sits atop a rounded body of woven strands. Shell ornaments hang at the shoulders, with a beaded band and a tuft of hair at the waist. Two short carved legs. It is 3 inches wide, 3 deep and 8.25 high.

Wrapped for the weather and quite pleased with the effect.