Mossi Biiga doll, Burkina Faso, 40s

Mossi Biiga doll (fertility doll), hand carved wood with a beautiful, smooth patina, with elaborate details in the Kaya style. The lines cut into the figure represent braids, characteristic facial scars as well as breast and belly scars, which are only worn by women.

The Mossi-Biiga doll is often the focus of rituals and spiritual practices in connection with motherhood. At the Mossi people, women who hope for offspring wear these fertility dolls (called "Biiga") in their clothes. The typical "Biga doll" is made of hard wood carved. The doll has the characteristics of an adult woman, with mature female breasts that represent motherhood. Skarification patterns (scarring) on ​​the body, which traditionally mark the transition to adulthood, are also shown by carved patterns.

Foot: 5cm x 5cm Height: 30.5cm

Manufacturer
Afrikanisches Kunsthandwerk

Designer

Material
wood