Zaramo Mwana Hiti doll
These dolls hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Zaramo people and are an integral part of their religious and ritual practices.
Mwana Hiti dolls are designed to represent children and are associated with fertility, motherhood, and the protection of the family. They are often used in fertility rituals, birth ceremonies, and events related to the growth and well-being of children. Mwana Hiti dolls are frequently utilized in religious and ritual ceremonies by Zaramo priests and priestesses. They can be invoked to seek the protection of ancestral spirits or to promote fertility among women of childbearing age.
The creation and use of Mwana Hiti dolls are an essential part of passing down Zaramo cultural traditions from one generation to the next. They serve as a means to impart the values, beliefs, and practices of their culture to younger generations.
These dolls are both fascinating works of art and important symbols of Zaramo culture. They illustrate how art and spirituality are inherently intertwined in many African cultures, where artistic objects often have meaning far beyond their aesthetic appearance.
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 19 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Condition
- Excellent