#7708/814 African Beaded Fali Fertility Doll Cameroon 13" H

Superb large African Fali fertility doll decorated with multiple layers of trade glass beads and cowrie shells, minor beads and shells loss.
"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 fiance, 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
13" h by 7" w by 6.5" d
thanks