Vintage African Ewe Dolls

A trio of hand carved wooden dolls from the Ewe people of southern Togo and Ghana in West Africa. They are carved from the wood of the local kapok tree and have an aged honey coloured patina. Typical Ewe features on these dolls include the ovoid faces with protruding eyes and black pigment decoration on the hair and feet and around the torso. They are standing rigid, with their arms held away from their bodies, pointing straight down. Their carved fingertips show signs of red pigmentation. One of the figures is wearing a single layer of glass beads on a simple string around her waist.

It is likely that these are trade beads, bartered in Africa for centuries, especially in West Africa where these figures were made. The figures are mid-20th century but the beads are probably older still. Everything is in excellent condition with no damage or repairs.

9” high