Standing female figure · Tanzanie, Kwere · ID: 3033576
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Description
wood, slightly encrusted dark brown patina, crowned by typical “mwana hiti” coiffure, min. dam., missing parts (foot tips), traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, on base;
like their southern neighbours, the Zaramo or the Doe to the north the Kwere are also carving the small “mwana hiti” figures. Female initiates keep such figures during their period of seclusion and coming out ceremonies. After the ceremony the young woman hangs the “mwana hiti” around her neck or holds it in her hand. If the woman cannot have children, she will use the doll as a surrogate child until a real one is conceived.