Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical female figure with no legs, and a flared, flat, circular base, which is encircled by an additional ring of clay. Little distinction between the main body and the roundly tapered head. Figure has two prominent, ovoid projections representing breasts, and a rounded projection near the base, possibly representing the navel. [IL [OPS Move] 3/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Mkaramo clay figure. Cylindrical female figure with no legs, and a flared, flat, circular base, which is encircled by an additional ring of clay. Little distinction between the main body and the roundly tapered head. Figure has two prominent, ovoid projections representing breasts, and a rounded projection near the base, possibly representing the navel. [IL [OPS Move] 3/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 3/5/2017]
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 28 mm, Height: max 63 mm, Depth: max 30 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.169 Other numbers: 169 271
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 272[female symbol]169. Bero Mjanja. Girl should not wink at men passing or she will get divorced.

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