On the life-saving properties of thick thighs?

I don't know about in this specific culture, but in many traditional cultures girls keep their hair in loose down styles such as this figure has, and then when cultural adulthood is reached they start wearing it up in braids, covered, or in some other more formal style. That's what my guess would be, anyway.

It could be compared to the other artifacts found at same time

I couldnt find any more insight either though