african dolls

Unlike ordinary dolls, African dolls are not just toys for younger girls. These objects represent religious beliefs and ritual practices of a community. Commonly, the region of origin of certain African dolls can be distinguished by the costume in which they have been dressed and their shape. In most tribes, a mother gives her African doll to her daughter, who, in turn, will pass it on to another successor of hers.

The Ndebele in Zimbabwe are among the tribes that make traditional use of African dolls. The tribe, though small, is widely recognized for its art and its deep love of beauty and color, which is evident in its extraordinary homes and clothing. Ndebele African dolls are dressed similarly to the women of this tribe who wear colorful outfits, adorned with intricate bead designs.

African Ndebele dolls are designed to symbolize the status of the women of the tribe or certain important events that are happening in their lives. Some of these events that are reflected in the designs of these dolls include the following:

African dolls that have colorful apron-like garments wrapped around their waists represent Ndebele girls who have already gone through puberty rites and are fit to marry. In preparation for marriage, these young women are given dolls that they must name and care for as if they were real children. And at the time, the firstborn arrives; he/she will be named after the doll.

Courtships within the Ndebele tribe are initiated by the suitor placing a doll outside the hut of the maiden he desires. The doll serves as an icon of the man’s purest intentions to propose marriage.

African dolls representing women who are engaged to be married are adorned with beautiful black beaded hoops that enclose their tiny waists.

Ndebele brides are represented by African dolls wearing long, finely detailed beadwork hanging from their shoulders. A beautiful veil adorned with multicolored beads covers their faces. The dowry received by brides’ families who are five head of cattle is represented by the five-panel skirt worn by Ndebele brides.

In the months of wela or initiation of Ndebele boys in the mountains, their mothers wear the linga koba along with their nguba-blanket for married women. Linga koba are long strings of beads that extend to the ground to symbolize tears. These women weep with sorrow at the loss of the children they have raised and with joy at gaining a man. These women are represented by African Ndebele dolls wearing the same outfit.