This book in the Private Collections series provides an overview of a collection of African fertility dolls.
This private collection of African dolls, sometimes spontaneously decorated with beadwork, are witnesses of people's hopes and beliefs. The book is richly illustrated with overviews and detailed photographs of the objects and, apart from a description of their history, also gives the reader a personal account of collecting these dolls single-handedly over a period of 45 years.
Jolanda Bos is an archaeologist and dress anthropologist. Her research fields comprise archaeological beadwork analysis and hair studies, contemporary costume, personal adornment (the combination of dress, body decoration, veils, jewelry and amulets) and the social implications of dress.
