Fertility doll, TURKANA, Kenya, 1970s

Wooden fertility doll decorated with tiny glass beads in various colors. The doll also wears a dress from the waist down, decorated with glass beads and two cowrie shells. These types of dolls are intended for a childless young married woman. The doll is kept in the hut during the day and used in the evening in role play as the child for the young wife who plays the mother herself. It is customary for the girl's father to cut the doll, while the clothes for the doll as well as the decorations are made by the mother or by the girl herself. Even after the birth of a child, the doll remains in the family and fulfills the same function for a sister or niece. This doll is very complete and fully intact. On top of the head two metal nails are visible, the function of which is unknown to me. Patina is appropriate for age and use. The statue is placed on a wooden base. See the pictures!

Length: 25 cm, including stand approx. 28 cm
Weight: 178 grams
Origin: Kenya
Date: 1970s
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection