Items Similar to Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
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.
From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.
Individual Dimensions:
Left Doll: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 10.75"H
Middle Doll: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 8"H
Right Doll: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 10"H
- Dimensions:Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- 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:Seller: CFC556ABC1stDibs: LU820025988722
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1997
1stDibs seller since 2006
1,649 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chicago, IL
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllBeaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood, Fabric
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ceremonial doll...
Category
Late 20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cotton, Wood
You May Also Like
Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure
Located in Stamford, CT
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 art sculpture it i...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure, 1920's
Located in Stamford, CT
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 art sculpture it i...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Very Tall Bronze Ndebele Sculpture, Original Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This 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
Materials
Bronze
Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure Wearing a Military Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Funky and very cool 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 is absolutely charming.
The military hat...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Terracotta Articulated Doll Santos Figure Wearing a Bowler Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual, 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
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta
Pair of Oriental Puppet Dolls with Original Silk Costumes
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality pair of 20th century Oriental puppet dolls with original costumes.
These decorative Oriental puppets are framed in Lucite making the...
Category
20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cotton, Silk, Lucite, Wood
$800 Sale Price / set
46% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Doll Collection
Attirement Of The Bride
Wooden Beads
African Beaded Art
Vintage African Beads
South Africa Bead
Child Doll Furniture
Vintage 19th Century Ring
Ndebele Art
Bride Doll
Fertility Dolls
African Beaded Fertility
Vintage Bride Doll
Ndebele Dolls
African Fertility Dolls
Keramos Wien
Lladro Girl
Marble Male Nude Italian