Tonga Child Figure

295. A large example 13cm tall 10cm diameter. Not much is known about these figures although it has been strongly suggested that they had something to do with fertility rites. They are made from several wild orange shells joined with gum, the head is decorated with multiple ‘lucky beans’ It seems that the earlier examples had less features and were undressed. Another indication that they were ritual objects is the red ochre painted surface which represents blood throughout Southern Africa.

For some related examples see the Brenthurst collection. Page 153, Illustration. 92.

Tonga, Zambia/Zimbabwe.