Skip to content
Pitt Rivers Museum

1958.11.2.358

Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical figure, with circular flared base. Two pointed protrusions, representing breasts or arms. No distinction between the main body and the head. Rounded top of head, with black pigment on the top, representing hair. [BH [OPS Move] 17/5/2017]


1958.11.2.358

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
Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical figure, with circular flared base. Two pointed protrusions, representing breasts or arms. No distinction between the main body and the head. Rounded top of head, with black pigment on the top, representing hair. [BH [OPS Move] 17/5/2017]
Long description
Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [BH [OPS Move] 17/5/2017]
Cultural groups
Zigula
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
Height: max 74 mm, Depth: max 35 mm, Width: max 25 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1958.11.2.358 Other numbers: 432 461
Research and responses

Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 461 [female symbol] 432. Mashaka Ninayo. Kungwi is doubtful of future of girl who has not followed instructions.

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