Museum-quality Dowayo doll – Namji, Cameroon

Description

This particular Dowayo doll is an expressive example of tribal art of the Namji from Cameroon, dating back to the first half of the 20th century. The statue measures 25.5 cm high, 14 cm wide and 12 cm deep, and is richly decorated with an impressive collection of red and white beads, cowrie shells, woven fibres, animal hair and a metal pendant with the inscription "Liberté Le Havre-New York". These elements indicate a magical-religious function, possibly as protective figure or fertility statue.

The characteristic pose, with bowed legs and erect chest, and the expressive face with minimal expression, give the figure strength and charisma. Dowayo dolls like this are rare on the market, especially in this original, unrestored state with nice patina and clear signs of use.

This is a museum object, which will appeal not only to collectors of African and tribal art, but also to lovers of ethnography, anthropology and ritual objects.

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