This is a very fine old carved wooden \"Mwana Hiti\" or Fertility doll from Tanzania, Africa. (mwana hiti, meaning “child of wood\") is used in initiation ceremonies of the Kwere, Zaramo, Luguru, and Gogo people of Tanzania. 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. 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. The doll measures 4.25 inches tall and is adorned with numerous strands of glass beads. Provenance: Eric Robertson / Grove Gallery 1989. A scan copy of the original purchase receipt can also be included.

Good, well handled