Namji Tall Beaded Fertility Doll

Description

Masks are a window into the soul of a culture, and provide us with great conversation pieces for the home. African masks are possibly the most admired and well known art form of Africa. They are both idea and form. The artistry of African masks is self evident but, for the people who create them, they have a much deeper meaning than surface beauty. African Masks are believed to embody the spirit and symbolize a message of wisdom, prosperity, security, and power. Stylish elements in a mask’s looks are codified by the tradition and may either identify a specific community or convey specific meanings.

African masks & statues are possibly the most admired and well known art form of Africa. They are both idea and form. The artistry of African masks is self evident but, for the people who create them, they have a much deeper meaning than surface beauty. African Masks are believed to embody the spirit of an ancestor, and symbolize a message of wisdom, prosperity, security, and power. Stylish elements in a mask’s looks are codified by the tradition and may either identify a specific community or convey specific meanings.

In Cameroon the Namji people create a wide variety of important tribal dolls used by young girls and older women. The figures can be purchased as new from a market or passed down from mother to child. The carved styles will differ but all will adhere to Namji traditional custom. The dolls perform one basic function, which is to promote fertility. When played with and cared for the young girls learn how to tend to a baby. Much like in other cultures where the children dress the doll up in clothes and carry it around as if it were real. The dolls  are carved from wood and then usually decorated with various decorative items.