Ndebele Handmade African colorful Beaded Fertility Ceremonial Doll 24" Tall

Description

Ndebele Handmade African colorful Beaded Fertility Ceremonial Doll 24" Tall. Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS Priority Mail
This is a vintage Ndebele and Zulu Doll from South Africa. Traditionally these dolls are made by Ndebele, Zulu and other southern African women to encourage fertility and to instruct girls at time of their initiation into womanhood. Fertility is a major importance to the Ndebele people
A fertility doll is made (in secret) for the bride by the maternal grandmother and is ritually presented to her when she enters her net hut after the wedding ceremony. African dolls across the continent are created for young girls to play with and as a charm to ensure fertility in women. Their shape and costume vary according to region and custom. Frequently dolls are handed down from mother to daughter.
Western dolls are popular in Africa and are often dressed with traditional garb. When the doll concept is considered in the context of African culture, they are usually not children's playthings, but rather objects that are laden with ritual and religious associations within the community.
African dolls are used to teach, and entertain. They are supernatural intermediaries and they are manipulated for ritual purposes.
Dolls head measures approximately 4 inches wide
Arms measure approximately
4 inches long
Body from neck to bottom measures 21 inches long by 6 inches wide.
Please check pictures carefully as they are part of the description.