Turkana fertility doll

Turkana fertility doll, ikoku ngide – Kenya – Doum palm nut, hide and beads Details Origin: Turkana people Country: Kenya Object type: Fertility doll, ikoku ngide Material: Doum palm nut / fruit, hide, glass beads, fibre Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 6 cm Period: mid-20th century Provenance: Collected by the current owner Custom display stand: not included Description A small Turkana fertility doll, known as ikoku ngide, from Kenya. This type of object belongs to the traditional material culture of the Turkana people. Such dolls were made from natural materials, often using a three-lobed doum palm fruit, and decorated with hide, fibre and beads. This example has a compact and expressive presence. The rounded palm nut body gives the object a sculptural, almost abstract form, while the hide elements and coloured glass beads add a strong ethnographic character. The doll is decorated with several bead strands in blue, green, red, white and other colours. These details contrast beautifully with the dark reddish-brown surface of the palm nut. One side shows the fibrous interior of the fruit, where part of the outer skin has disappeared, giving the piece an interesting material texture. A charming Turkana fertility doll, appreciated for its small size, expressive form, traditional materials and attractive bead decoration. Condition Good condition overall for an object of this type. Wear, abrasions, losses, small holes, surface irregularities and age-related marks. Part of the outer skin of the palm nut has disappeared, revealing the fibrous interior. Wear and small losses to the hide and bead decoration. Please refer to the photographs. Included The fertility doll only. No display stand included.

Estimate:£127.14

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