Mossi Biiga or Doll / Fertility Figure

Small, upright and wearing a fine-toothed fringe like a cap.

Mossi carvers of Burkina Faso, West Africa, made this biiga fertility doll in wood in the 20th century. These dolls are carried by girls and are associated with the hope of children. The head is rounded, with a scalloped hairline and crossing lines incised on the crown. The neck is long and thin, and the torso, with one arm bent toward the chest, bears geometric cuts. A flat disc foot lets it stand unaided. The wood is dark chocolate, polished and even.

About twelve inches tall. Sweetly formal, a miniature dignitary for any shelf.