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Richly adorned doll, Cameroon, Namchi (Dowayo), Size: H: 38,5 cm (H: 15.2 inch), ID: 3048478
Richly adorned doll, Cameroon, Namchi (Dowayo), Size: H: 38,5 cm (H: 15.2 inch), ID: 3048478 - 2/4 Richly adorned doll, Cameroon, Namchi (Dowayo), Size: H: 38,5 cm (H: 15.2 inch), ID: 3048478 - 3/4 Richly adorned doll, Cameroon, Namchi (Dowayo), Size: H: 38,5 cm (H: 15.2 inch), ID: 3048478 - 4/4
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Lot 283
97th Auction

Richly adorned doll ·  Cameroon, Namchi (Dowayo) · ID: 3048478

sold EUR 1,800
Provenance
Michel Gosse, Caen / Paris, France
Yves & Ewa Develon, Paris, France
Size
H: 38,5 cm
H: 15.2 inch

Description

wood, fabric, glass beads, metal, grass fibre, base

The Namchi (or Dowayo) people from the mountain ranges in north Cameroon is known for making dolls which are considered among the finest in Africa.

This doll is partly wrapped in cloth and grass fibre weave and is extremely opulently decorated with colourful bead strings, medicine bags and a large number of magical metal objects.

Namchi dolls so elaborately decorated were meant to serve as fertility charms for childless women and were worn on the body.

Comparing literature

Bofinger, Brigitte & Wolfgang, Puppen aus Afrika, Stuttgart 2006, p. 54 f.

Africa

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