- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Mkaramo clay figure. Roughly cylindrical figure that restricts slightly between the roughly spherical head, and the main body. Flares to the rear at one end to form a flat, circular base, with no legs. Two prominent, roundly pointed projections representing breasts or arms. [IL [OPS Move] 25/4/2017]
- Long description
- Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 25/4/2017]
- Geographical reference
- Pangani
- Cultural groups
- Zigula
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 1958
- Date collected
- From 1951-1958
- Acquisition information
- Donated: 1958
- Dimensions
- Width: max 22 mm, Depth: max 22 mm, Height: max 53 mm
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 1958.11.2.81 Other numbers: 81 184
- Research and responses
Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 184 [female symbol]81. Someke. Don’t have intercourse too often, or girl will become stupid. Head of model is on look out.
Search terms: Figure, Ritual and Ceremonial, Children and Childcare, Pottery, Ceremonial Object, Religious Object, Prayer Object
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1912.92.328Religious offering, silver plate depicting a mouth and chin. [El.B 08/12/2009]1912.92.328
1930.7.30Copper alloy weight for weighing gold, in the shape of a fish. [MJD DDF Body Arts Project 2010/2011 21/12/2010]1930.7.30
1921.78.62Vessel with recessed foot, globular body and a narrow neck with a flat rim. [ASh [OPS move] 21/03/2016]1921.78.62
1958.11.2.216Clay Mkaramo anthropomorphic figure. With a cylindrical body that tapers towards a narrow head. Three perforations, representing two eyes and an opened mouth. Four forward extended limbs. A small cylindrical protrusion, possibly a tail. Protruding genitalia. [BH [OPS Move] 8/5/2017]1958.11.2.216