Namchi Copper Fertility Doll, Based

Beads first, body second. The doll is dressed for an occasion.

Namchi people of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this fertility doll in the 20th century from wood, glass beads, cowrie shells, copper and leather. Dolls of this kind are commonly associated with girls and young women, who may carry or care for them as emblems of fertility. A wooden torso sits seated on short legs, draped in strands of orange, yellow, red and blue beads. Small copper bells or ornaments hang at the lap, and a bead collar glows around the neck. The whole stands on a black metal base.

About 13 inches tall. A burst of color for a quiet shelf.