Mossi, Burkina-Faso: an unusually large ‘Biga’ fertility doll.
These typical, abstract fertility dolls, called ‘Biga’, are worn by the women of the Mossi in their garments when they wish for children. If a longed-for birth takes place, the ‘Biga dolls’ are gratefully placed on the house altar, later passed on to the next generation, or given to children as playthings.
The present ‘Biga’ is an unusually large example of such fertility dolls. Carved from light-coloured wood and dyed brown. With characteristic flat head, long neck, large breasts (symbol of fertility), accentuated navel, standing without legs on a round base, with genitalia indicated at the front at the bottom. The face, the hairstyle, the plaits at the side, as well as the scarification marks on the body typical of the tribe are incised in linear, deep chip-carving relief. The eyes consist of applied circular copper studs. A perfect piece with a slight, age-related crack to the neck and one to the left side. Otherwise no damage.
The entire object shows a convincing, shiny, old usage patina.
Height: 39.4 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
German private collection.
Expert: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Dosažená cena: **
-
EUR 625,-
- Vyvolávací cena:
-
EUR 300,-
Mossi, Burkina-Faso: an unusually large ‘Biga’ fertility doll.
These typical, abstract fertility dolls, called ‘Biga’, are worn by the women of the Mossi in their garments when they wish for children. If a longed-for birth takes place, the ‘Biga dolls’ are gratefully placed on the house altar, later passed on to the next generation, or given to children as playthings.
The present ‘Biga’ is an unusually large example of such fertility dolls. Carved from light-coloured wood and dyed brown. With characteristic flat head, long neck, large breasts (symbol of fertility), accentuated navel, standing without legs on a round base, with genitalia indicated at the front at the bottom. The face, the hairstyle, the plaits at the side, as well as the scarification marks on the body typical of the tribe are incised in linear, deep chip-carving relief. The eyes consist of applied circular copper studs. A perfect piece with a slight, age-related crack to the neck and one to the left side. Otherwise no damage.
The entire object shows a convincing, shiny, old usage patina.
Height: 39.4 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
German private collection.
Expert: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Horká linka kupujících
Po-Pá: 10.00 - 17.00
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Aukce: | Mimoevropské a domorodé umění |
| Typ aukce: | Salónní aukce |
| Datum: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Místo konání aukce: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Prohlídka: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |
** Kupní cena vč. poplatku kupujícího a DPH
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