Standing figure ·  Tanzania, Pare · ID: 3034120

Description

wood, shiny brown patina, black paint remains, massive round head with large ears, the eyes inset with white miniature glass beads, cavity underneath, min. dam., small missing parts (foot tips), cracks, base;
its a special characteristic of this region to wrap small wooden or clay figures in fabric or leather, and a second characteristic is to provide them with holes for insertion of magical substances. The figures have two functions: they were used as media for educating young people during initiation. The second function is their usage for practices of ritual healers and sooth sayers.