Makonde Female Fetish Doll, Based

Round-shouldered, open-handed, with a gaze that goes right through you.

Makonde artists of Tanzania, East Africa, made this female fetish doll in terra cotta in the 20th century. Such figures are commonly associated with fertility, protection or healing. The body is broad and squat, with short, bent legs, ribbed fingers and two large round ears flanking a small face. The clay surface is gray and pale, crusted in places with chalky deposits and pitted by age. The figure sits slightly forward on its feet.

About 9 inches tall. Broad-shouldered and wide-open. It stands its ground.