Antique Kirdi Doll, Cameroon

Description of Significance:

In the Kirdi community of northern Cameroon, a unique tradition involves suitors presenting their fiancées with a distinctively stylized doll known as a ham pilu. These dolls, symbolic of future children, are traditionally worn on the back of the bride-to-be and are believed to enhance her fertility. As demonstrated in this example, these figurines are frequently embellished with necklaces and other jewelry, reflecting the high value placed on them. The care and attention given to these dolls are reflective of the nurturing that will later be extended to the forthcoming newborns. This practice not only symbolizes fertility but also represents the deep-rooted cultural values and customs surrounding family and marriage within the Kirdi community.

Country of Origin:

• Made for use in Cameroon

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 2"
• Width: 2"
• Height: 8"

Materials: 

• Indigenous wood, cowry shell, glass beads.

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years is regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.

Our Pricing:

Hemingway Gallery ethically sources all the fine art in our collection. Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price in Africa  is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

• Shipped with FedEx Ground: $20
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.