Bone Head Studios

presents

“ The Witchdoctor’s Gift “

Cherished treasures from the past

Are given a new life at long last!

His faithful companion’s teeth and bones,

And a shrunken head, all that he owns!

Are placed in a cauldron of potions and magic,

Bubbling and Boiling in the attic!

By morning light his work is done,

This witchdoctor’s gift is indeed a very special one!

Magnificent! Splendid! Mr. Umbagi exclaimed as he stepped back to take an admiring look at his creation. Yes, he was certain that this was sure to delight one lucky young child! How could anyone resist such an exquisite doll?

“ Mr. Pringle’s Society of Feeble Prestidigitators “ had been a wonderful lifeline for him and the many retired residents, here he found comfort and companionship, with his own kind, the years had past quietly and uneventfully.

On occasion they would be asked to sponsor Mrs.Bo’s orphanage in one thing or another, and excitement would fill the air! This year they were each asked once again to contribute a treasure, a handmade treasure! Mr. Umbagi thoroughly enjoyed these assignments, although he would never openly admit to it, of course!

He knew exactly what he was going to use for his creation the minute it was announced!

And so he began to gather the materials from his dusty old chest, a chest filled with so many memories, some just bits and pieces. Gingerly he touches, then inhales, the old fragrances still lingering, and remembers his “other” life, and just as quickly he dismisses them., as his fingers find what he had been searching for. “ This will do perfectly !“ he said to himself.

He had not been so sure that his now unsteady hands could make the tiny stitches needed to do this task, but once he began, his hands did not betray him. In the end he was quite please with the results of his labour.

Afterall was he not the most experienced at stitching in his village? As an apprentice, it became necessary to learn how to do many things ,once the kindly old witch dr. had passed on to the next life. Oh yes…. his hands could still create magic!

Not too sure this is what Mrs.Bo’s orphanage was expecting!…….

This shrunken head dolly has a head made out of air dry clay over a pear shaped ornamental gourd , with a dowel inserted at the base to form her neck , her body is osnaburg.. She can sit on her own and is string jointed at the shoulders and hips.

She was painted with acrylics and paste wax was applied to seal and antique her.

Brown sheep’s wool was used for her hair. Jute was inserted and secured to her mouth and eyes then braided, a painted wooden pick was secured into her nose.

On her neck I have placed necklaces made from tiny shell discs and glass seed beads,

more of the seed beads decorate her arm , hands and ankles. Copper colored metal discs hang from her long ear lobes on delicate, thin leather straps.

I have created a simple sarong dress that is stitched at her right shoulder and under her arms, then left open from her hips on down to her ankle, underneath are matching underwear secured in front with a tiny metal button.

Soft pigskin leather was used to make her sandals, they were then sealed with dark brown paste wax, they are removeable. She is approx a slim15- ¼’’ tall.

Her furry companion is my version of a miniature monkey, he is made of fake fur that was then trimmed leaving longer fur to frame his face, hands and feet. His face is made of airdry clay over osnaburg fabric which has been painted with acrylics and sealed with dark brown paste wax.

He has has brown glass eyes, wires in his arms and legs, his leather hand and feet have wires in separated fingers and toes, which allows him to hold on to things. He is approx.6’’ tall.

Both will come to you signed and dated with beautifully embellished hangtags with my original poem and logo. A copy of the original Mr.Umbagi drawing is included.

Handle with care, these are not toys, they are collectibles and should be cared for as such.

Contact me for any questions.

Thank you for looking.

Blessings,

Flora Thompson