Hand Carved African Dolls

The listing

Vintage African Turkana Hand Carved wood doll with Leather Bead Decoration An interesting pair of dolls approximately 50 years old. I believe these to be Ngide dolls made in Kenya by the Turkana people. Often mistaken as a fertility doll or even a witch craft doll, this Ngide (child) carving may be an ikideet doll. Ikideet dolls are often carved by fathers and then decorated by the mothers using the daughter's own beads and skirt, and possibly hair. They are then gifted to their daughters. Very interesting pieces. The taller one is 11.5 inches tall, the shorter one 8.5". They have animal skin dresses, decorated with fringes of beads and shells, many neck rings and human hair. RW7219