Botswana Herero Doll

Souvenir doll made in Botswana representing the Herero ethnic group. The Herero people mainly live in Namibia but also in Botswana and Angola. The doll carries a basket filled with fruits or vegetables. Comes with original label that reads: ‘Hand Crafted, We certify that each doll is unique and individually hand-modelled and crafted in our Botswana studio. Each doll depicting the activities of rural and urban ladies. Dolls of Botswana, All authentic souvenir and unique gift’.

Herero dress is derived from the early 20th century gowns worn by the wives of the German missionaries working in that area during the German colonization. These gowns evolved to colorful voluminous rounded dresses resembling healthy cows and the headdress is shaped like a cowhorn, reflecting the importance of cattle to the Herero people. Patchwork dresses are every-day dresses, while garments made of only one material are worn at special occasions.

Folklore is in the air… uhm… ear!

Details

Object Doll depicting rural activity
Origin Botswana
Culture Herero People
Medium Fabric, polymer clay, wood, natural fiber
Mark or Tag Paper tag
Made by Botswana studio
Size H 26 cm
Dated Not dated
Acquired ?

Postcard

Here's a postcard that matches this doll. It shows how the people living in Botswana are dressed in their traditional costume.

Text on the back of the postcard: 'Paasfees. Easter time. Osterzeit'. Printed in Windhoek, Namibia. Never sent, no postmark.

Happy collecting,