- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
$280
About the Item
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll of the Ndebele people of South Africa. These traditional dolls are made with cylindrical wooden bodies, wrapped in cotton and highly decorated with metal rings, natural materials, and dense beadwork. One of several dolls used in Ndebele culture to commemorate transitional phases of life, a fertility doll is given to a new bride after her wedding ceremony to encourage fertility and signify her new social status as a married woman. Cared for and cherished until her first child, the doll prepares the young woman for parenthood and is thought to bring good luck.
- Dimensions:Height: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)Width: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
1stDibs Buyer Protection Guaranteed
If your item arrives not as described, we’ll work with you and the seller to make it right. Learn More
About the Seller
5.0
PAGODA RED is a renowned resource for designers as well as collectors of contemporary and ancient Chinese, Korean and Japanese art. They offer a curated edit of fine and provincial furniture, ceramics, scholars' objects, and paintings and textiles, each piece historically and geographically authentic.
Diamond Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 1997
1stDibs seller since 2006
1,185 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
More From This SellerView All
- Beaded Ndebele Fertility DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
- Beaded Ndebele Fertility DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
- Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility DollsLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
$2,980 / set - Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
- Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsTwine, Cotton, Wood
- Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
Late 20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
People Also Browsed
- Beaded Ndebele Fertility DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
- Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
Late 20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
- Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsTwine, Cotton, Wood
- Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility DollsLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
$2,980 / set - Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial DollLocated in Chicago, ILA rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCotton, Wood
You May Also Like
- Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos FigureLocated in Stamford, CTAmusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it i...Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsTerracotta
$1,480 Sale Price20% Off - Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure, 1920'sLocated in Stamford, CTAmusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it i...Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsTerracotta
- Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950sBy Woka LampsLocated in Vienna, ATThis beautiful sculpture by an unknown artist, depicting a Ndebele. Despite of occasionally mistakenly attributed to Carl Hagenauer is it undoubtedly a masterpiece. In earlier times,...Category
Vintage 1950s African Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure Wearing a Bowler HatLocated in Stamford, CTUnusual, and quite amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk...Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic, Clay, Terracotta
$1,480 Sale Price20% Off - Fali Fertility DollsLocated in Chicago, ILThree African Fali fertility dolls from Cameroon. Measures: Blue one 10.5x 6.5 x 5. Green one 13.5 x 6 x 4.5. Orange one 12.5 x 5.5 x 3.5.Category
20th Century Cameroonian Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBeads, Cotton, Lucite, Wood
$750 / item - African Wood Carved Dogon Fertility Figure Sculpture Statue with Custom StandLocated in Studio City, CAA very engaging and beautifully weathered fertility sculpture/ statue by the Dogon people of inland West Africa who today reside primarily in Mali. The Dogon peoples are best known f...Category
Antique 19th Century Malian Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood
Recently Viewed
View MoreThe 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Trusted Global Delivery
More Ways To Browse
Wood Bead
South African Vintage
Vintage Furniture South Africa
Vintage Wood Dolls
Beaded Africa
African Beaded
African Bead
Vintage Wood Beads
African Beaded Furniture
African Art Wood Sculptures
Vintage Folk Art Dolls
Vintage African Beads
African Beaded Art
Fertility Art
Fertility Sculptures
South Africa Art Sculpture
Fertility Objects
Beaded Doll