Gourd Doll with Coins and Shells South Africa

Brand Unbranded
Type of Object Doll
Country of Origin South Africa
Materials Gourd, rope, shells, coins
Approximate Age 20th Century
Height (in) 8
Width (in) 4
Overall Condition Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

A gourd doll decorated with coins and shells is a form of African art that has its roots in South Africa and various other African cultures. Gourd dolls are crafted using dried gourds, which are hollowed out and transformed into intricately designed figurines.

The use of coins and shells in the decoration of gourd dolls is a common practice in African art. These materials hold cultural significance and are often incorporated into various forms of artwork as symbolic elements. Coins can represent wealth, prosperity, and trade, while shells are often associated with spirituality, protection, and fertility.

In South Africa, gourd dolls with coin and shell decorations can be found in different regions, each with their own unique artistic styles and meanings. These dolls may be created by various ethnic groups, such as the Zulu, Xhosa, or Ndebele people, among others, each infusing their cultural expressions into the artwork.

The dolls are typically adorned with an assortment of materials, including beads, feathers, seeds, fabric, and leather, in addition to coins and shells. These embellishments are carefully selected and arranged to convey cultural symbols, storytelling elements, or personal narratives.

Gourd dolls with coin and shell decorations serve multiple purposes. They are often created as toys for children, uséd in ceremonial rituals, or made as decorative items. These dolls can be seen as representations of ancestral spirits, protective talismans, or objects uséd to communicate with the spiritual realm.

The creation and use of gourd dolls with coin and shell decorations not only showcase the artistic skills of African artisans but also provide insight into the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the communities that produce them. These dolls serve as powerful symbols that reflect the rich traditions and heritage of African art and craftsmanship.

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Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions.

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