Chad Fertility Love Lock Doll

Dolls have been associated with man since ancient times and have been found in archaeological sites throughout the world. In some cultures they were used as toys however their primary use has always been connected to the rituals of burial, fertility, initiation and marriage. In Africa dolls are made in tradition shapes, in a wide variety of materials for specific reasons. Dolls used in conjunction with magical practice for the sole purpose gracing a woman with fertility are referred to as fertility dolls. The purpose again is generally the same but the actual design and accompanied paraphernalia varies from country to country. This selection is from the landlocked country of Chad in north central Africa. Its neighbors are Niger, Libya, the Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Lake Chad, from which the country gets its name, lies on the western border with Niger and Nigeria. The area around Lake Chad has been inhabited since at least 500 B.C. The figure presented is carved from one piece of smooth, hard, native wood and heavily decorated with beading. An exquisite, unique feature is the metal collar that has been placed around the neck of the doll. This implies that the woman for whom this doll was intended wanted not only to bear children but to bear children for one specific mate. A mate that she doesn't ever, ever want to leave her, thus the collar. This collar or lock so to speak is normally found on objects produced by those of the Yoruba faith. Although this is a newer item we are pleased to present an excellent example of art from a country whose works are not readily produced for commercial fanfare.

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