Description (Labels & Markings)
Sealed envelope 'On his Majesty's Service', originally addressed to 'The Treasury Officer. Nairobi'. Reused to enclose indigenous medicine. Hand-written note at the back: 'Mukuruka. Made from bark of a tree of that name. This medicine is put in a ½ gourd + mixed with water the gourd is then swung round the head by a string. This is taken by warriors during the periodic dances, its object is to induce some particular girl to come to him it is not necessary to call the girl she is obliged to come to him.' [Transcribed by Lucie Carreau, 22/04/2022].
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)
Mukuruka. Indigenous medicine made from the bark of the Mukuruka tree. Used by warriors during dances to attract girls. Stored in a sealed envelope. Originally stored in a cigar box, now kept with the object.
Event Date 22/04/2022
Author: Lucie Carreau