Makonde Seated Female Fetish Doll

She sits with her palms turned up and keeps her own counsel.

Makonde people of Tanzania, East Africa, made this seated female fetish doll in terra cotta in the late 19th or early 20th century. Such figures are often associated with household and protective use, and the female form is commonly tied to lineage. She is rounder in the body than her male companion, with a sloped chest, bent legs and forearms ending in rounded fists. A small head carries pierced eyes and a tiny mouth. The clay is earthy brown with a light dusty bloom.

About 4 inches tall. Gives a bookshelf some history.