African? gourd man

I liked the face even though I can't figure out whether this is a one off tourist piece (make em what they'll buy) or whether it has any ethnic history behind it. Or indeed whether it is really african as I assume. It is quite large (24" high). No history since bought from an estate.

 

Are you sure that's not a Fiji mermaid?

 

It is not a one-off:

https://bid.igavelauctions.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2534208
But they identify it only as African.

The shape of the gourd used for the body is similar to gourds used in east Africa as containers for liquids. And there is a tradition in east and southern Africa of gourd dolls used in girls' initiation ceremonies, some of which have articulated arms.

https://www.africaandbeyond.com/Nyamwezi-gourd-fertility-doll.html



But I suspect the one you have was made for the tourist trade.

 

Looks meant to hang someplace where it can swing a bit.

 

Sure, and it is safe to say the ones you pictured are also for the tourist trade. Thanks for the info, very helpful. At least I know it isn't a fantasy one-off. Armed with that info, I was disappointed I couldn't find any similar doll in a museum collection (I searched a few of the US museum collections I know of). If anyone can, or knows anything more about these or their history, I would love to find out more. Thanks again!