A Fine Collection of Antique Kwere or Zaramo Doll Figures Tanzania East Africa

A Fine Collection of (18) Antique Kwere or Zaramo Doll Figures from Tanzania in East Africa

The Zaramo mwana hiti, meaning “child of wood,” is used in initiation ceremonies of the Kwere, Zaramo, Luguru, and Gogo people of Tanzania in East Africa

According to  Adenike Cosgrove:

” Zaramo mwana hiti figures carry both practical and symbolic significance. 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. Sometimes such figures are used as a form of adornment. They can be used to decorate the ends of musical instruments, walking sticks, furniture, or grave posts. The physicality of the object also provides a tangible connection to clan ancestors, turning the figure into a family heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.

During the initiation process, the wooden figure is given to the female initiate by a maternal uncle. The ceremony educates the initiate on the ideal qualities of womanhood: hard work, generosity, prudence, and a nurturing disposition. In addition to this, she also receives sex education, instruction on how to please her husband, and ways to stay connected to her family. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the initiates carry the figures around their necks and are expected to take great care of the figure to ensure and protect their own fertility. ”

These figures were collected over the past 40 years, whenever I saw a really good one for sale I bought it, and when I found a better example I would deaccession the lesser one and keep the best figure.

When you see them together as a collection they look their finest as a group of small-scale sculptures that expand your imagination.

Provenance: Many Past Old Collections in the USA & Europe:  The Todd Barlin Collection of African Art