<p style="text-align:justify">The <em>mvangati</em> doll was created to embody an iconic bride, with her dresses and veils. It is a tradition present everywhere on the island.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">Its origin is ancient. Young girls play with the dolls to simulate marriage ceremonies (but since there are no boy dolls, they have to have a real boy stand in). The beauty of the doll is starts with its silhouette carved from <em>Mvangati</em>, a light wood from a local palm. The dolls are then dressed in a patchwork of multicoloured fabrics from seamstresses' scraps.</p>