Click Here for New Arrivals! African Doll: The Mossi are the largest ethnic group living in Burkina Faso “land of upright and honest people,” today. They number more than 2 million strong. Historically the Mossi were composed of many indigenous people including the Dogon in the north until the Dogon fled to the Bandiagara Cliffs from invaders. Dogon and Mossi ceremonial masks are very similar to this day. Mossi sculpture, masks, metal work and jewelry are crafted by the blacksmith who have their own caste, live in separate quarters and marry only within the caste. Among their many works is the “biiga” or doll; though the word doll is not a good translation of the because the function of the sculpture goes way beyond that of a ‘plaything.’ For a young female child the biiga represents the power that will enable her to have a child and simultaneously the baby she is learning to take care for. The biiga is washed and dressed and carried on the back just like a real child would be. If it is damaged, the biiga is taken to the local diviner for attention. The biiga is passed on from mother to daughter or from sister to sister. All Mossi dolls have a cylindrical base that is slightly wider than the body. It is carved without legs or arms but has accentuated breasts which are a symbol of motherhood. The head is a stylization of the gyonfo, a female hairdo with 3 crests; the center one running from the forehead to the base of the neck. Lines that are etched into the head represent braids. The biiga also features scarifications that are realistic and found on the Mossi people themselves. The dolls portray females only and come in a variety of sizes. They are mostly found in a bare wooden state. There are sevearl variations to the Mossi doll sculptural design, reflecting various villages, periods and artists. Two are offered here. The price is for one doll. Please select either the slightly older light wood doll or the taller dark wood doll. Please click photo for enlargement! See Order button below. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: Dark wood doll: 14 inches tall Light wood doll: 10 1/2 inches tall Wt: 3 lbs. shipping **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** |
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