Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical figure with flared circular base. Two triangular protrusions, possibly representing breasts. Two horizontal black stripes painted around the neck and the base. Painted black lines along the tops of the breasts, and tips painted with black circles. Top of head painted black. [IL [OPS Move] 19/5/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. Cylindrical figure with flared circular base. Two triangular protrusions, possibly representing breasts. Two horizontal black stripes painted around the neck and the base. Painted black lines along the tops of the breasts, and tips painted with black circles. Top of head painted black. [IL [OPS Move] 19/5/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to girls in puberty rituals. [IL [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, Process Moulded, Process Painted
Dimensions: Depth: max 35 mm, Height: max 57 mm, Width: max 32 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.2.403 Other numbers: 477 506
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.2.1 for complete entry] ... [Retrospective number:] 506 [female symbol] 477. Shindo Mbili. Girl should follow advice of kungwi and her mother.