This “Fertility Doll” was constructed and designed by the Fali People of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. By cultural custom, as a young, Fali man prepares for marriage, he commissions a doll (Ham Pilu) for his fiancé, who reciprocally carries it on her back. The doll is a symbol of their commitment and represents their future child. The groom renders the doll a gender that he desires for the first born. The young woman carries the figure until she gives birth, and afterwards it is stored away (The Museum of African Art 2021).

REFERENCES:

The Museum of African Art: The Veda and Dr. Zdravko Pecar Collection. 2021. “Fertility Doll.”

http://mau.rs/en/fertility-doll.html