Of all sculptures produced by the Mossi of Upper Volta, the most frequently collected and most widely represented in American and European collections are the small, wooden anthropomorphic figures that are referred to in the literature as Mossi dolls. There are several distinctive doll styles -which like Mossi mask styles- may be traced to specific geographical regions and to individual carvers. All figures, however, share the same basic cylindrical form with arms and legs rarely represented and all are female, usually with very pendulous breasts.
The word doll goes way beyond that of a toy function as for young female child the Biiga represents the power of fertility and that will enable her to bring into the world. The dolls are then carried in the Mossi women’s garments when they wish for children and when a child is born, the ‘Biiga’ are either kept in house altars, passed on to the next generation, or given to children as a toy. Origin Burkina Faso
Material: Solid ebony wood
Dimension: H36 cm
Color: Dark brown
Additional information: one of a kind - if sold similar item available upon request
Please note that vintage items may feature evidence of handcrafted production and should not be misinterpreted as flaws.
When announced as sold out similar items available upon request