Clay Mkaramo figure. A tapering cylinder with a slightly bulbous, rounded head and wide base. Probably phallic. Black bands have been painted around the bulge of the head and around the base, and a white dot painted on the base. [BA [OPS Move] 11/7/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. A tapering cylinder with a slightly bulbous, rounded head and wide base. Probably phallic. Black bands have been painted around the bulge of the head and around the base, and a white dot painted on the base. [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: Height: max 64 mm, Diameter: max 26 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.3.158 Other numbers: [male symbol] 224 744
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.3.1 for full entry] ...[Retrospective number:] 744 [male symbol] 224. Ulizeni. If in doubt ask, but do not risk breaking instructions of father and kungwi.

Search