Two Fertility Dolls -West Africa - $70 in Kelowna, British Columbia for sale

Fertility dolls are carved for a woman who wishes to become pregnant. Before the baby is born, the custom is to carve an image of the person you wish the baby to become - Male or Female, the dolls are usually very simple..You'll see the smaller, plain and light doll in the form of a girl, with tiny breasts. However in rare cases, the occupation that they will grow into is also carved into this dream maker - sometimes a Musical instrument for a talented musical baby, or head dress for a chief, etc. In the case of the much larger doll, the carver became very specific! He wanted the baby to be male, and to grow into a chieftain - as indicated by the elaborate head dress - and wealthy as indicated by the large beer belly. They didn't want the baby to grow into a man who had to work hard for a living, so they wished he would then have a wife who made him good food - as indicated by the pump stature - and she would therefore do most of the house chores.
Obviously most carvings are done by men in the family or the husband and in this case the carver was very specific about his desires for the unborn baby.
The women of Ghana, where this doll originates, often wear elaborate dresses with folds and pockets and such a doll would be carried during pregnancy to bring the fertility to the desired fruition. This doll however is so heavy, that it's difficult to imagine!
The dolls are carved of one solid piece of wood and the larger has a realistic loin cloth over private parts. It stands 19" tall, 7" wide at the head and 4" diameter at the base, while the normal size doll is 9.25"x4.25". These are unusual and interesting pieces that are sure to bring many hours of pleasure and speculation.
If there's anyone out there who wishes to birth a baby boy who will grow up to swill beer and be lazy, here's the fertility doll for you! On the other hand if you wish to have an industrious daughter, your job is much easier!