Zaramo mwana hiti figure, Tanzania
wood, pigment
4 3/4" tall
SOLD
Mwana hiti figures are found among of a number of peoples in Tanzania. Mwana hiti are also called trunk figures, and depict in a highly stylized
way the torso of a female figure. The name has been translated as "daughter of the throne" or "female chile of the one who is enthroned". The
figure is said to be both male and female. Male because of the general phallic shape and female because of the breasts. Mwana hiti figures are
given to a girl by her father's sister when it is time for her to begin the seclusion as a part of her initiation. References: A History of Art in Africa
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