In Swahili this small fertility figure is referred to as a Mwana Hiti - Wooden Child. A young Zaramo or Kwere girl would have been given this figure, once spiritually prepared by tribal medicine men, so that when she attained the age of marriage her fecundity would be assured and her children would be born healthy. She would be expected to care for the figure as a child. This beaded version of the Mwana Hit is less common than the plain wooden one.

This figure measures: 8.25" x 3.25" x 3.5"