Clay Mkaramo figure. Large circular flared base tapering towards and narrow head. No distinction between the body and head. No facial features. Two triangular protrusions, possibly representing arms or breasts. Painting black. With a white feather attached to the head. [BH [OPS Move] 19/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. Large circular flared base tapering towards and narrow head. No distinction between the body and head. No facial features. Two triangular protrusions, possibly representing arms or breasts. Painting black. With a white feather attached to the head. [BH [OPS Move] 19/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [BH [OPS Move] 19/5/2017]
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, Material Bird Feather, Process Moulded, Process Painted
Dimensions: Width: max 21 mm, Height: max 60 mm, Depth: max 21 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.396 Other numbers: 470 499
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 499 [female symbol] 470. Kwedi. Kungwi’s instructions are god, if bad comes it is the girl’s fault.

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