Mossi Biiga or Doll / Fertility Figure

A long-headed figure with fine hair lines and a hanging arm like a quiet comma.

This biiga, a doll or fertility figure is Mossi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. The Mossi people of Burkina Faso make small carved figures called biiga, and girls in particular are generally known to carry and care for them. A carved dark figure with a large rounded head scored in fine lines, a long neck and a square torso that tapers to a flared base. One slender arm hangs along its side. Faint scratches mark the body. It is 1.8 inches wide, 3.2 deep and 10.6 high.

Sleek-headed, serious, and just slightly aloof, like a cat.