Makonde Standing Female Fetish Doll, Based

Hands clasped low, chin lifted, pale clay catching the light.

Makonde artists of Tanzania, East Africa, made this standing female fetish doll in terra cotta in the late 19th or early 20th century. Figures like this are commonly associated with fertility, protection or healing power. She stands with both hands pressed together below the abdomen, a lifted face with a short neck and small breasts modeled high on the chest. The surface is a pale, powdery buff, rubbed to a soft sheen in places. She is mounted on a black base.

About 8 inches tall. Serene, a little tilted, and dignified.