Standing figure ·  Tanzania, Pare · ID: 3035270

Description

clay, encrusted blackish brown patina, circular opening at the back, striking big ears, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
it’s 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.