Description (Labels & Markings)
Sealed envelope 'On his Majesty's Service', originally addressed to 'The Assistant Deputy Commissioner. NAIVASHA [signature illegible]'. Reused to enclose indigenous medicine. Hand-written note at the back: 'Ira. A white earth from Mt Kenia / R. Muimbi. / This is applied in such case where the patient has taken any of the other medicines + is recovering, it is supposed to complete the cure. Men apply a spot of this to the nose, throat, tip of the tongue + woman only apply it to the temples on each side of the head.’ [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)
Ira. Indigenous medicine made from a white earth from Mount Kenya. Used to complete a cure. Stored in a sealed envelope. Originally stored in a cigar box, now kept with the object.
Event Date 31/3/2022
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (Amendments / updates)
The content on the back of the envelope shows a different handwriting comparing to other ones. It is certain that this is not written by Hobley.
Event Date 22/11/2024
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu