Kenya's Kikuyu, a photo from Central, Central

Photographer's Note

I salvaged this photo from my first trip overseas when I was keen to take slides with my trusty Minolta SRT101.
I cannot recollect where exactly I photographed this group of energetic and authentic dancers.I remember that we visited a large, fine white building, a hotel maybe, built in the English style on a raised terrain covered in green lawn. To the side was a cultural village where these fine people put on a cultural show.

The Kikuyu are Kenya’s largest ethnic group. The Kikuyu (otherwise spelled Gikuyu) tribe settled on the fertile central highlands, which they farm. These areas include the modern day Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Muranga and Thika towns.

The Kikuyu were the most active tribe during the fight for Kenya’s independence. The famous Mau Mau rebellion was mainly composed of Kikuyus. The Mau Mau were lead by Dedan Kimathi who was credited for helping organize resistance which led to defeat of the colonial government. Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, was a Kikuyu, giving the tribe a major boost politically and economically.

The Kikuyu are Bantu and actually came into Kenya during the famous Bantu migration. After settling down, the Kikuyu people spread rapidly throughout the Central Province and Kenya. They are considered distant relatives of several people groups like the Meru, the Embu and the Chuka. The Kikuyu tribe is believed to have been founded by a man named Gikuyu and his wife mumbi. Kikuyu history says Ngai (God) took Gikuyu to the top of Kirinyaga and told him to stay and build his home there. He was also given his wife, Mumbi. Together, Mumbi and Gikuyu had nine daughters. Achera, Agachiku, Airimu, Ambui, Angare, Anjiru, Angui, Aithaga, and Aitherandu. These daughters later founded the nine Kikuyu clans. Gikuyu and Mumbi are therefore regarded as the Adam and Eve of the Kikuyus.

SnapRJW, timecapturer, kabel, worldcitizen, agjika, thebest, Sonata11 heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

SnapRJW (31631) 2012-11-19 2:27

Hello Klaudio - A look back in time both with regard to your super shot and the subject matter. Time has moved forward so much in the 32 years since you took this shot and it would be a very different Kenya if you visited today. I love the textures and patterns you have presented here, the body painting is quite fantastic and I can imagine how scary it would have been to be confronted by an angry Kikuyu in full war-paint.
Your note is excellent. All those daughters with the names beginning with 'A', it sounds as if the people follow a matrilineal line.
A super TE contribution. Warm regards Rosemary

timecapturer (49288) 2012-11-19 5:05

Hi Klaudio
amazing shot this and to think it is 32 years old. The transition into digital is superb as there is no loss of detail or the magic of these fascinating characters. Compelling and magnificent.

Have a good week - regards Brian.

Oceania (5202) 2012-11-19 7:05

Hi Klaudio,

Can not imagine this picture was taken over 30 years ago. The quality of the photo is very good even using current measurement.

The scene you photographed was unmatched. I believe the traditions would pass generation to generation.

kabel (1930) 2012-11-19 8:02

Hello, although this is from your archives the photo has a unique cultural value displaying the Kikuyu in full ceremonial dress. The brown tones are rich and colorful. Your point of view is good. This photo reminds us all that we live in a very diverse world and celebrating the multi-cultural diversity of all is worthwhile.
TFS,
Karen

dkmurphys (79209) 2012-11-19 10:05

Hi Klaudio,
Spectacular capture of the ceremony. Attractive event, well captured.

Daniel

karacabeylis (1471) 2012-11-19 11:43

quite effective thru charming colors. nice management indeed.

dekanski (9419) 2012-11-19 15:45

Nisi baš morao da mi razbiješ iluziju da je u pitanju autentično selo a ne "cultural show". U svakom slučaju fotografija izgleda vrlo autentično, šteta što su stopala odsečena! Generalno bio si malo preblizu (ili je previše zumirano), i osoba sa leve strane je trebala da stane u kadar. No znam kako je to - lep trenutak proleti pa se nema vremena za nameštanje.

Pozdrav

vassilie (350) 2012-11-19 23:01

Buongiorno Klaudio
L'avvenimento è ben catturato.Un bel spettacolo!
Caro saluto, Tatiana

Silvio1953 (222847) 2012-11-21 0:32

Ciao Klaudio, great scene, interesting testimoniance, splendid light, wonderful colors and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

fabbs99 (17179) 2012-11-21 18:02

Hi Klaudio,

Great historical shot reflecting the culture of Africa.The dancing men with designs on the body look to be totally engrossed in their presentation.The colours are deep and the details are excellently expressed.Thanks for sharing.

Regards
Farhat

cagla (4342) 2012-11-22 22:33

Hi Klaudio, what an interesting scene you've captured. The note is also very interesting. You have a treasure of slides I think. I'm glad to be back here after so many months, when I met frames like this one. Selamlar.

wolf38 (30) 2012-11-23 0:09

Hello Klaudio. 1980, that was long ago. A photo like from the stone age. Time seems to have stood still. It would be interesting to know how people live today. Overall, really impressive. Very informative is the detailed text. Overall, a good contribution to TE.
Rgds, Wolfgang.

agjika (3177) 2012-11-23 15:27

Hi Klaudio,

Fantastic shot. I have never sen quite such body decoratiion before.

Regards

Aleks

lestans (17258) 2012-11-24 9:39

Beautiful capture Klaudio!! Well done to share it after so many years you captured these men.
Very interesting colors on the skin and tribal uses.
You must have done a nice journey.
Ciao!!

Livia

mesutilgim (0) 2012-11-24 14:52

Hello Klaudio,
Amazing this "oldie" with it's pov, layout and interesting details.
Many interesting notes makes it a perfect TE entry.
TFS and have a nice weekend
Best regards
MESUT ILGIM

thebest (4276) 2012-11-26 3:31

Hello Klaudio,

I saw this photo a few days ago & went to critic - had used my quota for the day - so here I am - such an amazing image - It must have been a real experience for you to be in Kenya & witness the entertainment side from these native performers.
Wonderful photo & well written notes.
Excellent perspective.

Kindest regards,
Dawn.

AnaRM (22) 2012-11-30 3:59 [Comment]