Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical figure, rounded head and flat, flared, circular base. Top of the head and neck painted black, with a ring of black near the base, and a vertical black stripe along the length of the body on either side of the figure. Two pointed protrusions, representing breasts, the tips painted black. [IL [OPS Move] 15/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical figure, rounded head and flat, flared, circular base. Top of the head and neck painted black, with a ring of black near the base, and a vertical black stripe along the length of the body on either side of the figure. Two pointed protrusions, representing breasts, the tips painted black. [IL [OPS Move] 15/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 15/5/2017]
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: Width: max 30 mm, Height: max 80 mm, Depth: max 33 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.338 Other numbers: 412 441
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 441 [female symbol] 412. Hakuna. Whatever the intelligence of the girl, she cannot do better than follow the kungwi’s advice.

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