Poupée de fertilité, Mossi, Burkina Faso

collects ion Thomas G.B. Wheelock, New York

Expositions:
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Art from Upper Volta, 1975
The African-American Institute, New York, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, 24 octobre 1978 - 24 mars 1979
The Museum of African Art, Washington D.C., Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, été 1979

Publications:
Grace & Wheelock, Art from Upper Volta, 1975 : 1, n° 19
Skougstad, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, 1978 : 14, n° 8
Robbins, Traditional Sculpture from Upper Volta, 1979 : 10, n° 56
Roy, The Art of the Upper Volta Rivers, 1987 : 191, n° 153
Robbins & Nooter, African Art in American collects ions, 1989 : 568, n°1593 
Bastin, Introduction aux Arts d'Afrique Noire, 1990 : 92, n° 61
Roy & Wheelock, Land of Flying Masks, 2007, n° 481

Very good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Fine patina, glossy and nuanced.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cette poupée destinée à une femme, mainte fois reproduite comme la plus belle du corpus, avait pour fonction - symbolique et parfois divinatoire - de favoriser la fertilité. Signifiée par les seins généreux, la féminité est mise en valeur par la superbe élégance du dos cambré et de la longue natte à l'extrémité recourbée sous laquelle disparaît le visage. La beauté du décor géométrique finement incisé est magnifiée par la profonde patine d'usage, brillante sur les parties saillantes.

Mossi fertility doll, Burkina Faso

This doll, which would once have belonged to a Mossi girl, has been published many t.mes s and is perhaps the most beautiful example of its type. The doll was intended to increase fertility, both symbolically and somet.mes s through use in divination rites. The arched back compliments the breasts and the beautiful sweep of the neck. The beauty of the finely incised geometric motifs is highlighted by the wonderful complex patina, which is particularly well developed on the face.