Clay Mkaramo anthropomorphic figure. Cylindrical body, with a flat ovoid base that extends to the rear. Two triangular projections on either side, possibly representing arms on hips, and two round, breasts. At top of the head, two rings of raised lumps of clay radiating from the centre, representing hair. Black patches across the surface, signs of burning. [IL [OPS Move] 9/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo anthropomorphic figure. Cylindrical body, with a flat ovoid base that extends to the rear. Two triangular projections on either side, possibly representing arms on hips, and two round, breasts. At top of the head, two rings of raised lumps of clay radiating from the centre, representing hair. Black patches across the surface, signs of burning. [IL [OPS Move] 9/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 9/5/2017]
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 Moulded, Process Burnt
Dimensions: Height: max 50 mm, Width: max 40 mm, Depth: max 24 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.236 Other numbers: 236 339
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 339[female symbol] 236. Masungila Guru. Get on with the cooking, don’t keep on looking to see what is left in the store.

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