Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical animal figure with two legs extending beneath the object on one side, and missing two legs on the other. Tail broken from the object. Two feathers protruding vertically from the back of the figure, and a cylindrical impression along the neck, possibly where the third feather was attached. Bead embedded next to the rear leg. [IL [OPS Move] 18/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical animal figure with two legs extending beneath the object on one side, and missing two legs on the other. Tail broken from the object. Two feathers protruding vertically from the back of the figure, and a cylindrical impression along the neck, possibly where the third feather was attached. Bead embedded next to the rear leg. [IL [OPS Move] 18/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [OPS Move] 18/5/2017]
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 Bead, Material Bird Feather, Process Moulded, Process Impressed
Dimensions: Width: max 30 mm, Depth: max 86 mm, Height: max 131 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.386 Other numbers: 460 489
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 489 [female symbol] 460. Kimbiene. Girl should run away if she sees this strange animal as it wants to eat her.

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