Nyamwezi beaded doll - SOLD OUT
Dolls in African art: Nyamwezi - Zaramo - mwana hiti - Kwere
A wooden figure of indeterminate gender, possibly a female, of the Nyamwezi type. The figure wears a headdress with row of cowrie shells framing a mound of sacred substance that was used to activate the figure. The face is carved with a long nose, the eyes being represented by beads and the mouth is small and open. The body is triangular in shape and is covered in horizontal bands of plaited fiber and beads. To the waist is a row of cowrie shells.
These figure are made by ritual specialists specifically to be used by girls who are undergoing initiation ceremonies. The figure represents a protective spirit who is invoked for protection and healing. Most often they are made from dried gourds and the inside is filled with sacred substances to activate them. In the case of the wooden figures, a cavity is created, similar to a Nkisi, where the substances can be placed, in this example to the top of the head.
01312
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 33 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Condition
- Excellent
Dolls in African art: Nyamwezi - Zaramo - mwana hiti - Kwere
A wooden figure of indeterminate gender, possibly a female, of the Nyamwezi type. The figure wears a headdress with row of cowrie shells framing a mound of sacred substance that was used to activate the figure. The face is carved with a long nose, the eyes being represented by beads and the mouth is small and open. The body is triangular in shape and is covered in horizontal bands of plaited fiber and beads. To the waist is a row of cowrie shells.
These figure are made by ritual specialists specifically to be used by girls who are undergoing initiation ceremonies. The figure represents a protective spirit who is invoked for protection and healing. Most often they are made from dried gourds and the inside is filled with sacred substances to activate them. In the case of the wooden figures, a cavity is created, similar to a Nkisi, where the substances can be placed, in this example to the top of the head.