Dating back centuries, the stories and traditions of the peoples of Kenya are some of the most fascinating in the world. They have enriched the country through social, economic, political and cultural activities, each with their own unique stories. Today, 44 communities are officially recognized by the government, and are classified into three linguistic groups: the Bantu, the Nilotic and the Cushitic speakers. The National Museums of Kenya holds objects telling the stories of the communities, which represent the country's ethnic diversity and vibrant cultures. Many of the cultural practices are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. This exhibit celebrates the country’s rich heritage through the Turkana community.
A look into the history and culture of the Turkana
The Turkana are a Nilotic ethnic community connected to Turkana County, in particular Lake Turkana. One of the largest nomadic communities in Kenya, they are known for their basket weaving and annual Turkana Festival. The Turkana are mostly located in Turkana and Marsabit counties. Notable personalities include Olympic champion Paul Ereng and supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana.
The breathtaking Lake Turkana
The Turkana are believed to have migrated from southern Sudan and settled around Lake Turkana, where they mainly kept their livestock. Those close to lake Turkana and river Turkwel carried out fishing and farming in addition to pastoralism.
Akuj and the Great Turkana
The Turkana believed in ancestral spirits and that God (Akuj) created the world. One of the most well-known legends is of the Great Lowalel who, with his powerful army, resisted the extension of British colonial rule.
Social structure and clans
The family was the basic social unit of the Turkana community. A group of families made up the clan. Traditionally the Turkana had a very unique alternating division, where the father was in the ngersai (leopard) division of the clan, the son would belong to the ngimor (stone) division, and the son's children would belong to the leopard division. The girls would take their father's division until they were married, then joining their husband's division.
Due to their nomadic way of life, the Turkana traditionally had no centralised governance system. However, certain social positions were granted to individuals based on their wealth, war skills, divination, as well as positive personal qualities.
Turkana women
Turkana women traditionally took care of the children and household duties. They excelled in making beaded ornaments and building new semi-permanent houses each time the homestead shifted as a result of their nomadic lifestyle.
The women have adorned themselves with traditional beaded head ornaments and necklaces some of which are made from elephant's tail. A woman wearing the necklace made from an elephant's tail signifies that she is married.
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| TURKANA ELDERLY MOTHER IN TRADITIONAL ATTIRE |
Pastoralism, hunting, fishing, and camels
The Turkana are known for pastoralism, hunting and fishing. They kept cattle, goats, camels, sheep and poultry, especially ducks. Their animals provided them with milk, meat and skins which were used to make bags and clothing items. Camels were seen as a source of wealth, and slaughtered at major ceremonies in exchange for brides or to affirm friendship.
Wrist knife
This wrist knife was made from scrap iron by a Turkana blacksmith. It was used by men for cutting meat and as a weapon for fighting when necessary.
Finger knife
Made from a nail three inches long, this type of knife was used for cutting meat or thread, and was commonly found among the Pokot and Turkana.
The annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival
One of Kenya's top tourist attractions is the three-day festival held in June and takes place at Loiyangalani, Marsabit County. This festival features all nomadic communities in Northern Kenya. In addition, Tobong'ulore festival is held in Turkana county.
Traditional dance
The women and men are wearing ceremonial costumes made from animal skin and fitted with decorative beads. They are also wearing traditional beaded necklaces and coiled aluminium armbands.
Sets of leg bells sewn on khaki cloth
The bells were made by a blacksmith from scrap iron, and used for dancing by both men and women. Worn below the knee, they were used especially at wedding ceremonies.
Head ornament
This is an ornament used to stick into a mud pack coiffure to hold ostrich feathers. It has a number of deep holes formed of string topped with woven fine copper wire. It was made and used only by men.
Turkana rituals
During such ceremonies, men usually sit on a headrest or stool in a semi-circular formation preparing to perform a ritual.
Experience the Turkana culture
The Desert Museum in Loiyangalani is devoted to telling the unique stories of the Turkana and seven other communities: El Molo, Pokot, Rendile, Samburu, Gabbra, Watta and Dassanach.
Celebrating Kenya's communities today
Many of the cultural practices of the Turkana are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. The heritage and culture of the Turkana community, along with the more than 44 communities in Kenya, continues to fascinate and inspire the people around the universe.
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| TURKANA YOUTH DANCING DURING A CULTURAL CEREMONY |
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