Ndamji Beaded Doll – Indigo

Amongst the Ndamji people in the Cameroon, unadorned dolls are made by blacksmiths, as playthings, for young girls.

When a woman marries,  they are dressed with beads, shells, coins and other trinkets they become fertility dolls, cared for as though a real child.

The dolls are characterised by a narrow trunk and head, with a shapely body  forming a striking geometric design.

Unadorned dolls are also used to mark houses when the Ndamji are at home.

Other tribes in the region have been influenced by the Ndamji, and seen the effectiveness of their dolls, and have adopted the design themselves.