Fertility doll "mwana hiti" ·  Tanzanie, Zaramo · ID: 3033719

Description

wood, brown patina, typical abstract form with “split” crested coiffure, drilled holes, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
Zaramo female initiates keep such figures during their period of seclusion and coming out ceremonies. After the ceremony the young women wear the “mwana hiti” around the neck or hold it in her hands. The doll is a kind of substitute child, until the woman will have a “real” one.