Doll Biiga

 

The so-called Biiga dolls are manufactured by the Mossi Bulsa region. They are fertility dolls with abstract features, with a virtually cylindrical structure, with a relief at the level of the breasts and sometimes the belly somewhat dotted, in sign of a future motherhood. Others can mark a slight narrowing at waist level by structuring the body in two parts. They lack arms and legs, the breasts being the only relevant symbol of motherhood, usually fallen.

The head keeps the morphology of the mossi statuary. Some figures can be covered in leather or carry small ornaments of cauris in the belly, cauri, being a symbol of the female sex represents fertility.

These statuettes are female figures normally carved by blacksmiths. It's a toy, the one you dress, washes and takes behind your back. It also replaces the child who is to be born to bring luck to the parturient. They usually have the cylindrical body and absence of arms and legs and breasts,

This mossi doll, called Biiga, has a complex symbolism. For the girl it is at the same time the strength that will make her have in her day a child and at the same time the baby that learns like this to take care to train to be a mother. The Biiga moves from mother to daughter or sister to sister. They are fecundity female statues that are real objects of use.

Biiga in “more” means “child”. The “child” is considered by the Mossi like the reincarnation of the ancestor who grants him a “sigha”, part of the immortal substance kept by the ancestors. Thus the Biiga will ensure a good pregnancy and a good birth and will protect the newborn by preserving him from the curses that could cause him to “come back”, that is, die.

It is amulet, at the same time as toy, which is transmitted from mothers to daughters or from older sister to younger sister as a family good. It is always a positive sign that favors the fertility of the woman. They are also offered to young women who have just suffered excision to wish them fruitfulness. Fertility is the greatest attribute of African women.

Piece very eroded and worn by time.