The lives of the semi-nomadic Samburu of Kenya are based around their animals – goats, cows, sheep and, more recently, camels. The animals aren’t primarily raised for meat, as this is eaten only on special occasions (he Samburu usually eat vegetables, roots and bark). Animals are kept mainly for their milk which, sometimes mixed with blood, forms the Samburu’s staple diet, and also for their hides. The Samburu do not hunt, or eat, wildlife.
The Samburu live in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province. They are related to, and share a language with the Maasai. Less nomadic than the Maasai, they have been less impacted by western culture. They have retained even more of their rich cultural heritage and social structures, including polygamous marriage, the killing of a sheep to mark the birth of a baby and elaborate coming of age traditions, particularly for young men.
When a young man reaches adolescence, he undergoes an iniation ceremony (including circumcism) and becomes a Moran – a warrior – a position he will hold for the next 14 years, until he marries and becomes an elder. Tall and slim, Samburu warriors have a misleadingly delicate appearance which belies their considerable hunting and fighting abilities. Their faces and upper bodies are decorated with patterns in orange and red ochre, and their hair is intricately plaited – indeed, Samburu warriors spend hours plaiting each other’s hair. Samburu society remains a warrior one, with each generation of warriors taking charge of the next, ensuring the continuation of the structure and traditions. Like the Maasai, Samburu warriors perform great vertical leaps when they dance. And, also like the Maasai, Samburu believe that all cattle belong to them, so cattle raiding can be a regular occupation for the young warriors.
The Samburu are pastoralists. They live in groups of up to 10 families, setting up camp in one location for a month or so before taking their animals onto fresh pasture. They have portable huts, made of mud, hide and grass matting, which are the domain of the women, who are also responsible for milking cows and collecting wood and water. The huts are set up in a circle, with a thorn bush fence built around them.
Their settlements have always been in areas of great beauty, and the landscape of the Samburu District, which includes the tranquil Samburu National Reserve, certainly lives up to that tradition. This appreciation of beauty extends to their own appearance and dress. Many also carry a Samburr on their backs – a large leather bag used for transporting meat and honey.
Samburu girls are given bead necklaces by admirers, and they wear them all at the same time, forming a collar. When a girl has enough of these necklaces to support her chin, she is believed to be old enough to be married. Married Samburu women often wear thin metal crosses on their beaded headbands, and may also wear long, beaded earrings.