The Ndebele Linga Koba doll represents a married woman wearing her elaborate nguba (blanket). The long bead strands represent her milingakobe (long tears) of joy and sorrow as her son submits himself for initiation to adulthood.
The Ndebele Bride doll is adorned with traditional ceremonial dress all of which is of great significance; The nguba (blanket) is decorated with elaborate beadwork to record events throughout the woman's life. The idzila (copper and brass rings) around her arms, legs and neck symbolise her bond and faithfulness to her husband and these would only be removed after his death. The idzila are believed to have strong ritual powers. The isigolwani (coil covered with beads) is worn around the neck by newly weds or girls who have come of age. Married women also wear an ijogolo (five-fingered apron) to mark the culmination of the marriage which takes place after the first born child. The veil covering the face is a sign of respect for her husband.