Kwere Zaramo fertility doll
€195.00
Art of Africa: Fertility statue on the coast of Tanzania
The wooden figure of a female represented in highly abstract form. The head is dominated by the hairstyle which is represented as an arch shape with material to the side with beads embedded within; the face is not represented. The thick neck rests on flat shoulders and the body is in the form of a column with breasts and navel. The waist is represented as a small flared base.
Known as Mwana Hiti, which means “child of wood” these figures were prepared by ritual specialists to be given to a child during her initiation ritual. The function of the figure was to protect the child so that she reached maturity and to become fertile so that she could bear healthy children. The child was expected to care for the figure as if it was a real baby, thus preparing her for the task of real motherhood.
Shipping fees
01946
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1930
- Size
- 11,5 cm
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Franco Maria Ricci, Italy
- Condition
- Excellent
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Art of Africa: Fertility statue on the coast of Tanzania
The wooden figure of a female represented in highly abstract form. The head is dominated by the hairstyle which is represented as an arch shape with material to the side with beads embedded within; the face is not represented. The thick neck rests on flat shoulders and the body is in the form of a column with breasts and navel. The waist is represented as a small flared base.
Known as Mwana Hiti, which means “child of wood” these figures were prepared by ritual specialists to be given to a child during her initiation ritual. The function of the figure was to protect the child so that she reached maturity and to become fertile so that she could bear healthy children. The child was expected to care for the figure as if it was a real baby, thus preparing her for the task of real motherhood.