Skip to content
Pitt Rivers Museum
AboutHire the MuseumNewsletterUniversity of Oxford

1958.11.2.109

Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical figure with no definition between the body and head, which tapers to a rounded point. The figure has no legs, and has a flared, flat and circular base. Two prominent, ovoid projections representing breasts or arms. [IL [OPS Move] 27/4/2017]

1958.11.2.109

Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford

Terms and Conditions

If you wish to order a high-resolution image and/or licence its use for print or web publication, exhibition, film, promotional product or any other use, whether in the academic or commercial sector of any print run, then please visit photographic services.

Collection type
Object
Description
Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical figure with no definition between the body and head, which tapers to a rounded point. The figure has no legs, and has a flared, flat and circular base. Two prominent, ovoid projections representing breasts or arms. [IL [OPS Move] 27/4/2017]
Long description
Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 27/4/2017]
Cultural groups
Zigula
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1958
Date collected
From 1951-1958
Acquisition information
Donated: 1958
Materials and processes
Material Clay, Process Handbuilt
Dimensions
Height: max 57 mm, Depth: max 23 mm, Width: max 20 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1958.11.2.109 Other numbers: 109 212
Research and responses

Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 212 [female symbol] 109. Mimi Sikusahau. Good girl even though she may look stupid, remembers all she has been taught.

Search terms: Figure, Ritual and Ceremonial, Children and Childcare, Pottery, Ceremonial Object, Religious Object, Prayer Object