Clay Mkaramo figure. An off-centre, tapering cylinder with a slightly bulbous, rounded head and flared base. Probably phallic. There are traces of red pigment on the underside of the base. [BA [OPS Move] 11/7/2017]

Collection type: Object
Description: Clay Mkaramo figure. An off-centre, tapering cylinder with a slightly bulbous, rounded head and flared base. Probably phallic. There are traces of red pigment on the underside of 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: Diameter: max 30 mm, Height: max 58 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1958.11.3.169 Other numbers: [male symbol] 235 755
Research and responses: Figurines from Tanganyika reads : ... [See 1958.11.3.1 for full entry] ...[Retrospective number:] 755 [male symbol] 235.
Yupo. Good man with tact will have people coming to him if he is in trouble.