BoW-48 / Unden Nyama, Nigeria

Height: 11.0 in / 27.94 cm

ex Zach Feere, CA

Wood, pigment

Of the four white-covered figures of this type that I am offering, this one is my favorite. It has well-balanced proportions and an especially appealing face.

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.

$500 plus shipping