Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical figure with little distinction between the head and the main body. No arms or legs, with a flat base at one end, and a round tapered point at the other. Two prominent and rounded projections, representing breasts, and a third ridged projection at the top of the head. Perforated eyes and an incised line for the mouth. [IL [OPS Move] 24/4/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical figure with little distinction between the head and the main body. No arms or legs, with a flat base at one end, and a round tapered point at the other. Two prominent and rounded projections, representing breasts, and a third ridged projection at the top of the head. Perforated eyes and an incised line for the mouth. [IL [OPS Move] 24/4/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 24/4/2017]
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: Width: max 24 mm, Depth: max 30 mm, max 51 x 25 x 30 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.49 Other numbers: 49 152
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 152 [female symbol]49. Mamgabe. Woman who took another’s husband, got hit over the head.