Fali Ham Pilu Fertility Doll

This beaded wooden figure is a fertility doll of the Fali people of Cameroon. Known as ham pilu, the doll is created by a newly betrothed young man and given to his bride-to-be as a promise of commitment and as a blessing for a child. This doll remains in excellent condition, shrouded in a rich display of strung glass beads and cowrie shells, and topped with beaded thread resembling hair. Set on a custom steel mount, this beautifully crafted figure becomes a storied sculptural object.