Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical body, with a flared base. Two extended protrusions, representing breasts or arms. Slight inwards tapering distinguishing between the body and the head. Circular head with no facial features. Black pigment painted in horizontal and vertical stripes across the body and head. [BH [OPS Move] 11/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical body, with a flared base. Two extended protrusions, representing breasts or arms. Slight inwards tapering distinguishing between the body and the head. Circular head with no facial features. Black pigment painted in horizontal and vertical stripes across the body and head. [BH [OPS Move] 11/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [BH [OPS Move] 11/5/2017]
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, Material Pigment, Process Moulded, Process Painted
Dimensions: Depth: max 28 mm, Height: max 63 mm, Width: max 22 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.270 Other numbers: 270 373
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 373 [female symbol] 270. Lipu. Girl who does not clean her private parts, will not get married.