NAMCHI fertility statue, Cameroon, 2nd half 20th century

Beautiful Namchi fertility doll (Ham Pilu). Dolls like this are given as a gift by the man to his wife. He then also makes the base out of wood. The doll is supposed to stimulate fertility and is cherished by the woman. The wooden base is decorated with strands of miniscule beads. In this case there are many of them, made of glass paste. Except those on the abstract head which are plastic. Four clusters with cowrie shells are also attached to it. Decorating a doll so thickly indicates a background from a wealthy circle. In addition to beads and cowrie shells, small bags of leather filled with secret ingredients or rings made out of metal or bronze are sometimes used. A beautiful object in good condition and neatly placed on a custom-made stand.

Height: 27 cm
Weight: 917 grams
Origin: Cameroon
Date: 2nd half 20th century