Articulated (Wedding) Marrionettes - Zaramo / Kwere people, Tanzania, Africa

Description

Articulated (Wedding) Marrionettes - Zaramo / Kwere people, Tanzania, Africa
Mwana Hiti
figures were known among the Kwere and Zaramo people of Tanzania.
Mwana Hiti
loosely translates "child of wood" or "initiate child", with references to figures which depict a stylized female torso. Europeans and Westerners typically refer to such figurative carvings as "dolls", but this is incorrect.
Marionettes and figurative carvings throughout Africa - particularly in this case - Tanzania, play significant roles in the spiritual lives of a wide range of ethnic groups including storytelling, folklore, entertainment / humor as well as teaching societal moral codes.
While articulated figures (movable arms and legs) distinctions of Kwere and Zamaro cultures, particularly the double-crested coiffure (hairstyle).  Marionette figurative carvings - like these were traditionally given as wedding gifts previously - but not anymore.
It is believed that the string (or rope) connecting the pair represent a (wedding and spiritual) bond that can only be broken in death.
During funerals, single marionette / figures appeared.  Although the purpose such figure are not clearly known, they were probably used in connection with the cult of ancestors.
Before colonial invasions of Islam and Christianity, traditional Nyamwezi worshiped the ancestors. The Bantu groups were known to practice ancestor veneration; guidance, blessings and advice for prosperity, protection, judgments and fertility.  Dark patina was suggestive of such figures having received libations, offerings and sacrifices - common practice in many African ancestor-motivated cultural-belief systems.
These figurative carvings have indeed become quite difficult to find - especially such objects with Kwere and Zaramo affiliation.
Condition:
(see photos)
Both male and female measures approximately 10.5 inches tall x 2.75 inches wide x 4.2 inches deep.
Wood, twine, cloth (band strips) on arms and legs of both figures - no damage or repairs.  Glass beads in eyes.
Kola pigment-patina with light surface areas with minor encrustation.
International buyers, shipping costs will be higher.