Three fertility dolls "mwana hiti"
Tanzanie, Kwere
Vendu
400 €
Provenance
Coll. Ingo Evers, Bonn, GermanyTaille
H: 13,5 cm - 17,5 cm
H: 5.3 inch - 6.9 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, typical form, different size, min. dam., minor missing parts;
the father of a young initiate “mwali” gives order for carving a “mwana hiti” figure, afterwards it is given to the clan leader who places it near ancestor figures in order to make their power passing over into the doll. After a further special treatment the girl receives the doll. In the following time of isolation the doll is dressed, fed and caressed like a child.