Mossi Biiga or Doll / Fertility Figure, Based

Pale incisions on dark wood, like chalk marks on a slate.

This biiga doll was carved in wood by Mossi artists of Burkina Faso, West Africa, in the 20th century. Biiga are often associated with fertility and with the training of young girls for motherhood. The head has a swept, striped crest of pale incision with a slightly raised face, and an extra-long neck. Fine lines cross the narrow torso, and one arm is angled forward. The base is a flared drum. The surface is brown with a gentle gloss, and a black mount holds it upright.

About thirteen inches tall. Refined, linear, and quietly theatrical.