Clay Mkaramo figure. A tapering cylinder with a rounded, slightly bulbous head. Probably phallic. The base is wide and uneven around the edge. There is a faint trace of black paint on the stem. [BA [OPS Move] 11/7/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. A tapering cylinder with a rounded, slightly bulbous head. Probably phallic. The base is wide and uneven around the edge. There is a faint trace of black paint on the stem. [BA [OPS Move] 11/7/2017]
Long description: Mkaramo figure used to teach morals to boys in puberty rituals. [BA [OPS Move] 11/7/2017]
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: Width: max 22 mm, Height: max 57 mm, Depth: max 20 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.3.135 Other numbers: [male symbol] 201 721
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.3.1 for full entry] ...[Retrospective number:] 721 [male symbol] 201. Sijatua. Good boy won’t act on something for which his father has not given him advice.