Mwana Hiti Statuette – Doe – Tanzanian Coast – Early 20th Century – Primitive / Tribal / African Art

Mwana hiti statuette presented naked, standing on a pillar with a circular pedestal decorated around the edge with concentric patterns. Her hands are placed on her stomach in a symbolic gesture. The youthful chest is sculpted in relief. Her face, with a gentle expression, is enlivened by two inlays of small pearls. Her headdress, arranged by two sagittal crests, is decorated on the sides with zigzag patterns, engraved with care and detail. Wood, old brown and honey patina, mark of use, multicolored glass beads. Doe, coastal region of Tanzania, early 20th century Dimensions: 25.3 x 3.2 cm - With base: 27.5 cm Provenance: former collection in northern France Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes, guarantee of origin and period. * Shipping costs on estimate. A masterpiece of finesse and balance, this statuette is distinguished by its evident mastery of sculpture: the volumes are perfectly proportioned, the lines are clear, and the engraving is extremely precise. This figure belongs to the Mwana hiti typology, used in puberty rites for the instruction of young girls. It served to teach the responsibilities associated with motherhood, care, and the transmission of family values. The difference in patina between the trunk and the head, as well as its adjusted base, indicate that it was most likely inserted into a medicinal receptacle. This type of container, often made of calabash, contained prophylactic substances and reinforced the spiritual significance of the figure. The addition of a long necklace of multicolored beads, probably of ritual origin, accentuates the plastic and symbolic richness of this rare piece.