BoW-47 / Uden Nyama (fatting house doll), Ebere Society, Ibibio, Nigeria

Height: 11.0 in / 27.94 cm

ex Brian Donkersley

Wood, pigment

I’ve had several of these figures over the years, including a couple of very nice ones, but this is the one that really does it for me. I love the volume of the lower body and the simplicity of the face. The elongated legs rise almost to the level of the small outstretched hands, and the depth and gentle curve of the thighs are fantastic. A true little gem.

Known as Uden nyama, these fatting house dolls were given to unmarried girls entering the Ibibio fatting house by their Ebere Society sponsor and carried throughout their time there. The figure represents the beautiful child the girl is hoped to bear after leaving the fatting house and marrying. Beyond this, Uden nyama were also believed to promote fertility and were used by diviners in cases of infertility.

$600 plus shipping