Finished a piece I started a while back. It is my take on a design inspired by the 'biiga' dolls of the Mossi country of Burkina Faso. The dolls are traditionally carved by male blacksmiths and given to young girls. The dolls are cared for, fed, washed and groomed by the girls. The doll acts as both child and as mature adult for the girls as an introduction to womanhood. The dolls are also used in rituals for motherhood, marriage, and childbirth. The dolls are passed down generationally, and are fed the first drops of milk after a newborn infant arrives. There's much more to say on these special figures. It makes you think of the essence behind childhood toys, the symbolism, and where they are today. There is much more to something interpreted as a 'doll' or even 'art' from other cultures. This piece is also significant for me as it marks the beginnings of my next collection of work. Handcarved from a gifted piece of Koa. #ancestral #craft #art #design #modern #sloyd #slojd #realcraft #skills #wood #woodwork #woodcraft #woodworking #woodcarving #traditional #traditionalart #handmade #handcraft #handtools #handcarved #wood #indigenous #culture #artisan