Mossi, Burkina Faso: an old children and fertility doll ‘Biga’.
These typical, abstract dolls are worn by the women of the Mossi in their garments when they wish for children. When a child is born, the ‘Biga’ dolls are either placed on house altars, or passed on to the next generation, or even given to the girls as a toy.
The present 'Biga’ fertility doll is unusually old, made of hard, light-coloured wood and carved in the ‘classical’, highly abstract form of a female figure. Her stylised head displays the typical, high crested coiffure of the Mossi women, with small ears at the side and a decidedly retracted chin. The slightly curved body displays breasts and three transverse decorative scars both to the neck and hips (at the bottom). A visibly very old piece with early traces of insect damage, scuffed at exposed places (on the face, ears and breasts), as well as a convincing shiny patina as a result of protracted use.
Height: 23 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Prezzo di partenza:
-
EUR 260,-
Mossi, Burkina Faso: an old children and fertility doll ‘Biga’.
These typical, abstract dolls are worn by the women of the Mossi in their garments when they wish for children. When a child is born, the ‘Biga’ dolls are either placed on house altars, or passed on to the next generation, or even given to the girls as a toy.
The present 'Biga’ fertility doll is unusually old, made of hard, light-coloured wood and carved in the ‘classical’, highly abstract form of a female figure. Her stylised head displays the typical, high crested coiffure of the Mossi women, with small ears at the side and a decidedly retracted chin. The slightly curved body displays breasts and three transverse decorative scars both to the neck and hips (at the bottom). A visibly very old piece with early traces of insect damage, scuffed at exposed places (on the face, ears and breasts), as well as a convincing shiny patina as a result of protracted use.
Height: 23 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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lun-ven: 10.00 - 17.00
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |