Fali Fertility Doll, Cameroon

Red, yellow and white beads, tipped on upright cords like a small, determined crown.

The Fali of Cameroon made this fertility doll in the 20th century. Dolls of this kind are associated with marriage and the hope of children, and in the region they were carried and cared for by young women. The body is a tall, tapering cone, built up from fibre cord wrapped tightly in tiny coils for a richly textured surface. Short bundles of cord form the arms and feet. A few more red beads are scattered on the body.

Just over ten inches, on a black base.

Lively, nearly figurative, and somewhat imperious. It has a tendency to hold court.