Two fertility dolls "mwana hiti"

Tanzanie, Zaramo · 3032279

Description

wood, brown patina, poker work, 2 strings of glass beads, 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.