How did Khanty and Nenets families use doll-effigies after a death?

In the context of Finno-Ugric religion, Khanty and Nenets families create a doll-effigy to represent a recently deceased family member during the transition period following a death.1

These effigies serve as a focal point for the family's interaction with the departed, who is believed to remain in the dwelling place for a time. Families typically keep and care for these dolls for up to three years. In some instances, such as among the Nenets, these dolls may be cherished and fed for as long as 50 years, and they have been known to serve as the origin for a hero cult.12