Namji Fertility Doll in Wood and Cowrie Shells – Nigeria, 31 cm, mid-20th century

Beautiful carved wooden namji doll, measuring 31 cm (including the base), from nigeria and probably made around the middle of the 20th century (1950-1970). Richly decorated with cowries, colored beads and woven fabric, this statuette represents a stylized female figure, standing, with arched arms and an elongated head. Namji dolls are associated with fertility and maternity rites, worn or kept by women in search of a child. This model belongs to the most elaborate versions, used not only as a fertility talisman, but also as a protective element within homes. The natural wear of the materials confirms its antiquity and its prolonged ritual or domestic use. The patina of the wood is deep and homogeneous, testifying to a beautiful age. The cowries, well preserved, show slight natural wear, reinforcing the authenticity of the piece. The colored beads, original, are generally intact despite some minimal losses due to time. The braided fabric, patinated and slightly frayed in places, adds to the antique character of the statuette. Fixed on a black wooden base, it is stable and ready to be displayed. The photos are part of the description.