Mossi biiga fertility doll, Burkina Faso

Description

The characteristic Mossi Biiga fertility doll from Burkina Faso, carved from hard wood and adorned with leather and cowhide horns.

Description
The strongly stylized figure has the characteristic elongated shape of a Mossi Biiga, with a slender torso, pronounced breasts, and a wide, flattened headdress. At the front of the head, a long curved braid protrudes forward, a striking element that refers to a traditional hairstyle of young Mossi women.

The wooden core is partially covered with dark brown leather, which is attached with leather straps around the body. Cowhide patches are applied around the torso and underside. The combination of wood, weathered leather and shells gives the doll a rich and textured surface.

Origin & meaning
Biiga dolls were given to girls by the Mossi and were used to care for, carry and dress children. In this way, they played a role in preparing for motherhood. Later, the dolls could also be associated with marriage, pregnancy and the desire to have children, which is why they are often referred to as fertility dolls.

This example was in a Dutch private collection and was acquired from it by Michel Maes in Maastricht between 1994 and 2005.

Dimensions & condition
H 34 × B 6.5 × D 11.5 cm.
Weight: 598 grams.

In good condition with signs of age and use. The leather shows wear and aging, and the wooden parts have dark signs of use.

Provenance
Dutch private collection
Michel Maes, Maastricht, acquired from the above collection, 1994–2005

Product photographs show the object on offer exactly as photographed. Any interior images are AI-generated impressions, included solely to illustrate scale and presentation.