Description (Labels & Markings)
Sealed envelope 'On his Majesty's Service', originally addressed to 'G. A. James Esq. Treasury Officer. Nairobi.' And signed 'Guy. S. Baker'. Reused to enclose indigenous medicine. Hand-written note at the back: 'Kikuyu. "Omu" made from roots of tree called Mtanda Mbago. This medicine is given to youths when they are circumcised & they do not feel any pain.' [Transcribed by Lucie Carreau, 31/03/2022].
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (Production / use)
Catalogue card: 'used by various tribes.'
Event Date 1926
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Accession register for 1926.583.1-16: 'Box of medicines.'
Event Date 1926
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Description for 1926.583[.1-16]: 'Sealed glass bottle with "Chembe" written on label. Fifteen envelopes with original information written on them, which appear to hold medicine powders. All stored in an old cigar box.'
Event Date 15/1/2002
Author: Emily Shorter

Description (Physical description)
Omu. Indigenous medicine made from the roots of the Mtanda Mbago tree. Used to prevent boys being circumcised from feeling pain. Stored in a sealed envelope. Originally stored in a cigar box, now kept with the object.
Event Date 31/3/2022
Author: Lucie Carreau