ZARAMO WOODEN DOLL ‘MWANA HITI'

Provenance: Dutch private collection

The Zaramo Mwana Hiti, meaning “child of wood,” is used in initiation ceremonies of the Kwere, Zaramo, people of Tanzania.

They serve as companions for young girls during the initiation ceremony, as they are separated from their families during the process as well as childless married girls and women.
Girls carried these dolls around their necks and were expected to take great care of the figure to ensure and protect their own fertility.

Kwere, Zaramo people, Tanzania
Wood, 15 x 8 cm, good condition.

Price: € 475,-