Today I am taking a different route and looking at a few doll figures that use fiber and beads in their design. First, African Ndebele dolls. This distinctive type of figure isn't a toy, but an important symbolic part of the courting ritual of the South African tribe that makes them. A description can be found here. I love the big eyes and the way randomly colored beads are combined to make up a colorful outfit that is such an authentic abstraction of reality. Looking these "old friend" figures up led to a wealth of inspiring images this morning -- a Pinterest page that has a variety of highly abstracted figures in fiber and wood. Little soul essences. Roughly hewn figures that suggest human without actually being literal. I especially love the little amulet figures from Benin -- are they ancestors? Symbols? Spirits? Really earthy, powerful little things.
Well, if I am ever going to get out of the house on this sunny day I have to feed and water the herd, and judging by Hapi's aggressive sportscaster-like prompting of how the morning SHOULD be playing out, I better get a move on. Cheers!