|
|
|
|
|
|
The Fali dolls below have been sold and are left here for reference and educational purposes.
|
|
|
|
|
Photographs © Tim Hamill
In Cameroon, when a young Fali man becomes betrothed, he makes a doll (ham pilu) from wood and decorates it with hair, beads, and other small objects. He then gives it to his fiancee, who wears it in a baby carrier on her back. The doll is a symbol of their marriage commitment and represents their future child. The man gives the doll the gender that he desires for his first-born. The young woman cares for the figure until the promised child is born; at this point, the couple carefully stores the doll away. ---From ISN'T S/HE A DOLL, PLAY AND RITUAL IN AFRICAN SCULPTURE (1996) by Elisabeth Cameron
Despite their appearance most of these dolls show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.
GO TO FAMILY MATTERS EXHIBITION PAGE
Index by |
Index by |
