Clay Mkaramo figure. A tapering cylinder with a flat, flaring base and a rounded head. Probably phallic. There is a wide band of black paint around the base. [JC [OPS Move] 7/7/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. A tapering cylinder with a flat, flaring base and a rounded head. Probably phallic. There is a wide band of black paint around the base. [JC [OPS Move] 7/7/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to boys in puberty rituals. [JC [OPS Move] 7/7/2017]
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: Diameter: max 20 mm, Height: max 58 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.3.102 Other numbers: [male symbol] 168 678
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.3.1 for full entry] ...[Retrospective number:] 678 [male symbol] 168. Tureani. Man who is always causing upsets and disturbances won’t get a wife.