Female puppet figure of the "ekon" society

Description

wood, three-piece, colour pigments, rest., base

Among the Ibibio, it was customary for young women of marriageable age to undergo a process of “body fattening”. This rite of passage, called “mbodi”, often accompanied by circumcision, lasted about a year. During this time, they are constantly encouraged to gain weight. Obesity was considered a symbol of prosperity, fertility and beauty and was supposed to increase their attractiveness as marriage partners.

Figures like this one were supposed to serve them as models of the ideal female beauty.

Comparing literature