African Tribal Art - Large Fali Ham Pilu Doll

French collection.

This remarkable African fertility doll, by its size and exceptional adornments, embodies the aspirations for marriage and the birth of a child resulting from this union. It is the fiancé who takes the initiative to make it and embellish it with various ornaments before presenting it to his future wife. The Kirdi, also called "heathens" by Islamized peoples, reside in the far north of Cameroon, on the border with Nigeria. This community includes the Matakam, Kapsiki, Margui, Mofou, Massa, Toupouri, Fali, Namchi, Bata, Do ayo, and others, who live mainly from agriculture, fishing and livestock. Among the Fali, the cult of ancestors is manifested by a great importance given to the skulls of the deceased, considered as the seats of thought and knowledge. The use of dolls by young African women is not limited to initiation rites. When they reach the age of menstruation, they are seen as potential mothers. In many ethnic groups, the quest for fertility involves initiatory rituals. Wooden figurines are often carved, some depicting both sexes, and adorned with beads and clothing in many cases.

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