Fertility Dolls
In traditional African societies there is always a profound sense of preparation for marriage and fertility. The small girls of tribes carry dolls about with them long before it is time to marry and have children. Such dolls are imbued with a special kind of magic and must be protected and cherished if they are to fulfil their purpose.
The Ashanti of Ghana keep a special doll in their carry cloth if they want a beautiful child. If a boy is wanted a doll with a flat moon-shaped disk for a face is kept while a smaller-headed doll with other particular features is auspicious for a girl.
Amongst the Yoruba of Nigeria the tradition has been to keep two dolls to try and gain great luck and wealth with the birth of twins. If one of the pair dies the doll belonging to the dead child is kept and cared for to show that the child is cared for and would be welcome to return in a different body. The soul of the child remains in the doll and is accorded a special place on the family altar.
Harry Martin. African Bazaar, Australia
These genuine wooden fertility dolls are approx 12 inches high and cost $US 45 each or $70 a pair. They can be delivered anywhere in the world.
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