Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical figure that expands one end to form a rounded head, with partially shaped eye sockets and nose. Appears to have one arm and one leg, and the stumps of the other arm and leg which have broken off. There is also another stump, possibly the remains of a tail. [IL [OPS Move] 20/4/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical figure that expands one end to form a rounded head, with partially shaped eye sockets and nose. Appears to have one arm and one leg, and the stumps of the other arm and leg which have broken off. There is also another stump, possibly the remains of a tail. [IL [OPS Move] 20/4/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo female figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 20/4/2017]
Geographical reference: Tanzania, United Republic of
Africa > Eastern Africa > Tanzania, United Republic of; Pangani
Cultural groups: Zigula
Person: Field collector Ralph Esmond Selby Tanner; PRM source Ralph Esmond Selby Tanner
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1958
Date collected: From 1951-1958
Acquisition information: Donated: 1958
Materials and processes: Material Clay, Process Handbuilt
Dimensions: Depth: max 31 mm, Length: max 70 mm, Width: max 45 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.21 Other numbers: 21 124
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 124 [female symbol]21. Akili Hafuatwi. Animal who eats humans; it imitates the noise of a dance and soon catches the girl who is easily drawn to dances to get a lover.