Sambura Kenya Mud Doll - Traditional Handcrafted Toy

This unique Sambura Kenya Mud Doll is a hand-crafted artifact made using traditional methods passed down through generations. Constructed from low pit fire clay, with distinctive red coloring, it features a primitive, earthy look, wrapped in red cotton cloth for added texture. The doll has two small heads with punched hole eyes, nose, and mouth, showcasing the artistic style of the Sambura people of Kenya.

The right figure is adorned with copper wire earrings, while the left figure features delicate glass beads inset into the design and small plastic inserts.

These dolls were historically used by young girls as a toy and also as a fertility figure, playing an important role in their learning and cultural rituals.  Along with the dolls are two unusual looking animals

In Kenya, three types of animals have traditionally been used to carry loads, depending on the region, terrain, and cultural group. They were camels, donkeys and the ox.  I suspect these two are camels.

Collected in the late 1960s early 1970s

Please view the photos carefully as they make up an important part of the description