These typical, abstract fertility dolls, called ‘biga’, are worn by the women of the Mossi in their garments when they wish for children. Once the wish has been fulfilled, the ‘biga’ is placed on a domestic altar, or is passed on to the next generation. The present ‘biga’ displays the ‘classic’ form of these fertility dolls of the Mossi: a female half figure, always seated on a stout round base. Carved from hard wood and dyed dark brown. With a flat, narrow and round head with typical Mossi hairstyle, with crest and plaits on the side. The face with dot eyes, a long, square nose and a small slanted mouth is always located on a narrow side of the head. The long neck features a necklace made of white and blue glass beads. The pointed breasts, chest and abdomen are embellished with typical tribal decorative scars in linear chip-carving relief. Additionally, the lower section features a belt made of white and blue glass beads, and female genitalia are sketched at the lower edge of the base on the front. The edges are slightly rubbed off and there is a minor crack to the edge of the base, on the lower back. Otherwise no damage. A visibly old piece, with good, shiny usage patina.
Height: 29.5 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Viennese private collection.

Lit.: ’Man and his Vison. The Traditional Wood Sculpture Of Burkina Faso’ by Esther A. Dagan, ill. 74–96.