Facing Mount Kenya: The tribal life of the Gikuyu

FACING MOUNT

KENYA

The Tribal L{[e

of

the Giku)lu

Jomq Kenyatta WITH

AN

INTRODECTION

BY

B. Malinowski PH.D.

(Cracow);

DiSc.f London}: !-InN.D.Se. (Harv.ud )

Professor of Authropolog» ill the Uuirersitv of London

MEReu

R Y BOOKS

L()NDON

All rights reserved

First Published MARTIN

SECKER

&

1938

by

WARIHjRG

LTD

First Published in Mercury Books 196J

Second Impression - January 1962 Third Impression-r- February 1965

A publication THE

HEINE~ANN

GROUP

of OF PCBLrSHERS

15-16 Q_,ueen Street, London WI Prill ted in Great Britain by The Hollen Street Press Limited,

London W

J

To Moigoi and Wamboi and all the dispossessed youth of Africa: for perpetuation of communion with ancestral spirits through the fight for African Freedom, and in the firm faith that the dead, the living, and the unborn will unite to rebuild the destroyed shrines.

INTRODUCTION BY

B. MALINOWSKI

"A. NTHROPOLOGY

begins at home" has become the watchword of modern social science. Massobservation and ' Northtown' in England; , Middletown' in U.S.A.; the comprehensive studies of villages and of peasant life carried out in Eastern Europenotably in Rumania and Poland; the new drive in French folklore undertaken by Riviere and Varagniac-all these are directing the technique, method, and aims of anthropology on to our own civilisation. Even Volkskunde, the study of the German people by German scholars, though partly mystical and largely misused, is none the less an expression of the sound view that we must start by knowing ourselves first, and only then proceed to the more exotic savageries. In all this we do not even debate the point as to whether an educated and trained member of a community is entitled to observe it with profit and competence. We do not place taboos on Psycho-analysis, because the psycho-analyst himself may be of the same race and culture as his patient, and at times even in the same neurotic condition. We do not send our Behaviourist to Central Australia because, being white, he might be unable to study white children. The ~

vii

V1l1

Facing Mount Kenya

English economist is allowed to work on the commerce and banking of the City of London, and the French jurists have given us excellent analyses of the Code Napoleon. Yet when an African writes a book about his own tribe, it seems almost necessary to justify his claims. I shall not make any such attempt or gesture because, in my opinion, the book speaks for itself. Mr. Kenyatta also does not argue the point whether" Anthropology begins at home" is as true of Africa as of Europe. It obviously is. Mr. Kenyatta has acted upon the principle and produced an excellent monograph on African life and custom. As every good ethnographer ought to do, the Author shows his credentials in his Preface. He has gone through the African course of training. He became, later on, practically acquainted with administrative and economic issues of East African policy. As to his training in Anthropology, I can add one or two points which he himself is not in a position to make. For several years past Mr. Kenyatta has been a member of my discussion classat the London School of Economics. He was thus associated in research and discussion, in original contribution and extempore critical activity with a number of brilliant, experienced and highly competent young scholars, many of whom had done their own term of field-work, and all of whom had had years of previous academic training. In this group he was able to play an active, indeed creative part, giving us illuminating sidelights, inspired by the inside knowledge of an African, but formulated with the full competence of a trained Western scholar. The present book bears full witness of his ability to construct, and his clarity of thought and expression. There is one quality in the book to which I would like to draw special attention. Mr. Kenyatta is outspoken and

Introduction

IX

honest to an extent rarely found in students of social science: he recognises the dangers of his own bias. "In 1 he present work I have tried my best to record facts as I know them, mainly through a lifetime of personal experience, and have kept under very considerable restraint the sense of political grievances which no progressive African call fail to experience" (Preface). In fairness to Mr. Kenyatta, and as a matter of wisdom in any co-operation between Europeans of goodwill and Africans who have suffered the injury of higher education, we have to recognise the fact that an African who looks at things from 1 he tribal point of view and at the same time from that of W estern civilisation, experiences the tragedy of the modern world in an especially acute manner. For, to quote William James, "Progress is a terrible 1 hing." It is terrible to those of us who half a century .q"o were born into a world of peace and order; who cherished legitimate hopes of stability and gradual developincnt ; and who now have to live through the dishonesty .u«] immorality of the very historical happenings. I refer In the events of the last few years which seem to demon'.1 rate once more that Might is Right; that bluff, impudence, ;111£1 aggression succeed where a decent readiness to co•-pcrate has failed. The first seeds of this new historical d('llIoralisation, let us remember, were indeed planted, not I'Y Fascism or Communism, but by the frauds, the imbecilities, and the impotence of democratic statesman-Jiip, which led us into the World War; there into the "(I'olling injustices and betrayals of the Peace Treaties. ( .crman National Socialism and the other totalitarianisms h.ivc been largely manufactured and fomented through the illapplied brutality, then the weakness, of the Allied II' r:J wa ita. \Var-horn. CJTJ wa igongona. Ceremonial horn.

Cssmba,

E Emwe, One. Embu. Name of a district and of its people. f thaga. Name of a clan.

G

Gaug:J. Syphilis. Name of an age-group, commemorating the first appearance of the disease in the country. Gaturi. Name of a district in Central Gikuyu. Gecohe (pI. icohe). A ring. Gecukia. Name of certain moonlight dances and songs for young people. Geka (pl. ika). The bottom part of a stick from which fire is drilled. Gekama (pl. ikama). Iron ore, iron slag. Gekonyi. A prolific creeper with small black seeds used for making beads. Gekoyo. Name of both the country and the people. Getara (pl. irara). A platform or nest. Getaroro, A tray for winnowing or spreading grain in the sun. Gethaka (pl. irhaka). Land in a general sense, bush-land. Gethamara. A roaring sound uttered by warriors. Gethambia. Uncooked gruel used generally for ceremonial purposes Getharia. Lady-killer, or heart-breaker. Gethathi. An oath-symbol. A stone used for taking oaths and for pronouncing comminations. Geth£gEthi. Top part of fire-drilling stick. Drill. Gethemengo (pl, irh emengo). The evil eye. Gether« (pI. ithere}. Apron worn at back by warriors for dancing. Gethii (pl. irhii). A cloak or mantle made of skin for men only. Gethiito (pl. ithiito). Amulet, charm. Gethlito kea ag:J. Magician's charm, or magic. Gethori, Chest, breast, selfishness. Gethuuri. Reverend Elder. Mountain. Getiirs. A dance and song for women only. Getiti (pl. ititi).. A kind of wicker tray, used as a plate or dish. Getooka (pl. matoaka), Lily, used for marking boundaries.

Glossary

321

Getongans, A place where dancers assemble before going to dance. Getungati (pl. itungati). Rear-guard. Gociarw». To be born. Gocinwa. To be burnt. Gocinws ne egocinw», He is to be burnt. Goltanga. To sprinkle ceremonially, libation.

Ithanwa (pl. matnanwa). An axe. Itk«. Father (his, hers, thine). Ithombe (pl. mathombe}, Spear-head. Itimo (pl. matimo). Spears. Itoora (pl. matoora). Village, town, city. Ituranguru (pl. maturanguruy. Leaves used for ceremonial purposes. Itwanda, Hypnotising or surprising magic. Itweka. A peaceful revolution in which one generation takes over the government from the preceding one.

K Kaare. Ceremonial song, sung only by warriors who have killed an enemy in battle. Kagutwe (pl, togutwe). Leaves used by girls after circumcision, to prevent the lips of the wound from sticking together. Kamatimo, Elders of lesser grade, lower rank of the Kiama. Kamoinge. A group of people acting together, " Kamoinge k:Jyaga ndere." Unity is strength. Kanya. A small gourd. " Kanya gatune fie mwamokanero." .. Give and take," reciprocity. Kanya ka ig:Jnc:Jna. A calabash used in religious ceremonies. Kareng'«. A pure-blooded Gikuyu, a nationalist. Kebata. A popular spectacular day-dance for warriors only, a display of physical fitness. Keberahi (pl. Iheretni). A wide spear used by ciders. Kegeena. A special calabash in which seeds are kept. Keguni, Benefit, beneficial. Kehaar» (pl. inaarJ). An open-air place for meeting or dancing. Kehee, A big boy who is not yet circumcised. Keheeng». An obstacle. Ken£mb£ (pl. ihEmbE). Drum, used either for beating or as a receptacle. Keheti. An old woman past child-bearing. Kehlnga-nda. Last born, the one that closes the womb.

Facing Mount Kenya

322

Curative, that which cures. A useless or thoughtless person. Babbler. Kehuroks. A resting-place, place of retirement. Keimha (pl. ciimha). Corpse. Keomhani. Lady-killer or heart-breaker. Kohsnia. To cure. Koina. To dance or sing. Koingata ngsma, To chase away evil spirits. Koirugs. Taking an oath by tasting the soil, swearing by the earth. Komemenda, To smash to smithereens. Komenya ooru na w£ga. To know good and evil. Konara, To be fat or fertile. Konyitw» ne ngsma. To be possessed by evil spirits. Korathimuhia, To ask for blessing, to lead a prayer. Koringa thEngE. Swearing by killing a goat, by breaking its bones. Koruta, To take out, to do, to train. Koruta ig:Jng:)na. To offer a sacrifice. Koruta mogirs. To purify, remove pollution. Kuoha Nyeki, To tie the grass; phrase used in asking a girl to select her partner for talking or playing with. Kuuna moguma. The breaking of branches from the sacred tree for circumcision ceremony. Kwenja. To shave, to dig. Kehsnia.

Kehongoy».

M

Macor» (sing. C"J). Horns, trumpets. Mae. Water. Mae ma itlzanwa. "Axe water"; cold water used for numbing the sexual organ before operating. Mae me gotnErEra matietagerera mondo.

Flowing water waits for no

man. Mageri», Temptations, trials. MagEtlza. Harvests. Maguna ma Njahe. The season of harvesting Njahe. Magetha ma mwere. The season of harvesting millet. Maguta, Oil, fat. Maguta ma mbareki. Raw castor oil. Mahoithia, Herb used for embrocation.

Mahi», Flocks and herds. Mahori. Lungs. Mahuti, Rubbish. Mbare. Family group, clan or sub-clan. Mhare ya Moombi, Moombi's family group, Moombi's tribe or nation, Gekayo people. Mhariya Ahaci. Ethiopians.

Glossary Mhto. Seeds. Mbir». Soot, black powder; lamp-black. Mb":J. Beans. Mboodu:ya NJahekb. A small calabash in which purification

323

water

is carried.

Mbori ya ilz.aki. A goat or sheep given by a junior warrior to his seniors as entrance fee to a higher grade. Mbuku, A book. Mbura. Rain. Mbura ya mWET'E. The season of short rain commencing in October. Mbura ya Njahe. The season of long rain commencing in March. MEnj,. Shaving ceremony, performed a few days after circumcision. Mensga. Fatigue. Meri ya Mek:mgoE. Oblivion. Meruke. Breadth. Metugo ya Nganjiti. Noble character, good behaviour. Moburabureki. "Nosy Parker"; fussy, interfering person. MOCEE (pl. MecEE). Sticks used by initiates after circumcision. Mociari (pl. aciari'[; Parent. Mociarithania. Midwife. Mociarwa (pl. Aciarwa). One who is ceremonially adopted, bloodbrother. Mocie. Home, homestead, village, town. Mociiri. A judge, a spokesman with legal training. Mogai. Divider, benefactor, God, testator. Mogathe wa Mwenji. Barber's present; a string of beads given by the initiate to her or his sponsor. Mogendi. Traveller. Mogere, A shrub used in taking oaths or uttering curses. Magi» (pl. Megb). A shrub whose bark is used for making strings. Moglr» (pl. megi,,). Taboo, defilement. Mogonda (pl. megonda). Garden, plantation, farm. Mogori (pl, Agori). Buyer, purchaser. Mogotha (pl. megotha). A shrub whose bark is used for making strings. Mogums. A sacred tree, parasitic wild fig under which sacrifices are offered to Ngai. Moigwithania. Uniter, arbitrator, the one who unites in one cause (a Gikuyu journal). Unifier. Mohari wa njoa. One who scrapes the hair from skins. Moherega (pl. meherega). Clan, division of a tribe. Mohiki, A bride, from day of marriage to childbirth. MohJi (pl. aIt,i). One who is given cultivation rightS on another man's land. Mohol», Herb used for purification and other ceremonies. MohJTJhcz. Herb used for purification and other ceremonies.

Facing Mount Kenya Moihwa (pl. Aihwa). Cousin. Moireetu (pI. Aireetu). Young unmarried woman, circumcised girl. Moiru. A partner, co-wife. Mokwguia. A creeper used for ceremonial and curative purposes. Mokenia. A herb used for purification and magical purposes. Moho. A shrub whose bark is used for making strings. Mokoora. A herb used for purification ceremonies. Mokoro. Elderly person, senior. Mokorw€ wa Gathanga. A traditional sacred place where the Gikuyu

people are believed to have originated, the first Gikuyu homestead. Mokoyo (pl. mekoyo). Fig tree (sacred). Mondo. A man, person. Mondo-marome, A he-man; a title attained after circumcision. Mondo-moga. Medicine man, magician. Mondo-mogo-wa-ita. A war magician. Mondo-moroaru, A sick man. Monene, A chief, ruler. Moniginia. A herb used in purification ceremonies. Monyinyi. Junior, younger. Small. Monunga. Deciduous tree; stinkwood, a herb used for magical purposes. Monyaka. Good luck. Moogo (pl. Meogo). A creeper used for making platters. Moomhi. Moulder, potter, creator; name of the first Gikuyu woman. The mother of Gekoyo nation. " Moombi arugaga na ngeo:" A potter cooks with broken pots. Moondo. Pocket. Mora wa itimo, The bottom part of a spear. Morathi (pl, Arathi). Seers, prophets. Morigiti wa Mogwati, Preventer of dangers, magical protector. Moro (pl. Ario). Son of. MOr;} (pl. Mm). A digging-stick. Morsgi (pI. Ar,gi). Wizard, witch. One who practises black magic. Morski wa mode. One who sets foot in a homestead first thing in the morning. Morongo, Koraria morongo. A ceremony of keeping the gods 'awake. Moroori (pI. ::Irori). Wanl..erer. . Moruna. Younger brother or sister. Moruru, Liquid honey. Morwithia. Circumciser, operator. Motaathi, Mongirima. Wood from which the staff of the Kiama is made. Motahikania. Purifier. Motamayo, Sacred tree used in initiation and other ceremonies. Mote wa igJng:Jna. Sacred grove, under which rituals are performed.

Glossary Mote wa itimo. A stick which joins the two halves of a spear. Mote wa Ngai. Tree of God, sacred tree. Mote wa ombani: Attraction magic.

Mouei.

Shrub used in purification ceremony.

Mwgi Cpl. Atogi). Trapper. Mothaiga: Medicine. Mothaig« wa rwenda. Love magic. Mothamaki Cpl. Athamaki). Judge, ruler, spokesman. Mothamaki wa riika. Leader or spokesman of an age-group . .Mothamaki wa Borori. Ruler of a country, a king. Mothami (pl. Athami). One who is given cultivation and building

rights on another man's land. Mothegi. A staff of office carried by elders of the Kiama. MothEnya Cpl. methEnya). Day. Mothingi wa ithito. A maker of charms or amulets. Mothsni (pl. AtMni). A relative-in-law, Mothuri (pl. Athuri). An elder. A married man with grown-up

children. Mothuri wa igsngona, Elder of the Ceremonial Council. Mothuri wa kerera, Elder of the Traditional Council, educator. Motiiri (pl. atiiri). A sponsor, a supporter. Motina. Bad luck. Motirima (pl. Metirima). A staff of office carried by elders of the Kiama. Motongora. A procession. Motoriro (pl. Metoriro). Flute. Motumia (pl. Atumia). Lady. Mums, Youths. Mungu (pI. Miungu). Tunnel, underground passage. Muuma. Oath. Muuma wa anake. Warriors' oath.

Mwak:», The work of building. Mwamba igoro. Creeper used in purification ceremony. Mwamokaners. Reciprocity. Mwanake (pl. Anah). Warrior. Mwangi. The name of an age-group. Mwate Cpl. Meate). Ewe. Mwathi (pl. Aathi). Hunter, bush-man. Mwehetwa wa anakx, Warriors' oath. MWEne (pl. mE). Owner. Mwene-Nyaga, God. Mweng» (pI. MeEngo). A small apron worn by women. Mwenjerere, Warriors' long spears. MWfnji. Barber. Mwere, Body. Mwri (pl. Meeri). Moon, month. z

Facing Mount Kenya Mwondwe: A shrub used for making strings. Mrungu. A European (Swahili).

N NJa. Stomach. Ndamathia. A sacred monster which is believed to have lived in

rivers.

National totem.

NJEmi. An age-group of the remote past. Ndere. Mortar. Ndereri. "Getire ondo wa ndereri "-Nothing is impossible. Ndia ngiri. Deep, still water; deep pool in a river. NJ:Jgamoki. Herb used for curing wounds and sores. " Ndoire n...vikita morogi:" I live like a wizard. NJokoyo, thiya na ndokoyo, Axe used for carving hives, etc. Ndoma. Arum lily. Ndoogo, Warriors' war-dance. Ndoogo ya ita. A war-cry accompanied with jumping dance. Ndoroho. Hunter, a race of hunters. Ndorome, A fat ram. Ndua, A large calabash for fermenting beer. Nduma, Darkness. Ndundu ya athamaki, Council of judges, spokesmen. Ndundu ya atumia. Council of women. Ndundu ya mode. Family council. Ngai. God. " Ngai ndigiagiagws;" God is not pestered. Ngangae. Slags, blooms. Nganyiti. Fineness, high quality. Ngaragari. Balls, pellets. Ng'aragu. Hunger, famine. Ngatha. Noble, generous person. Ngemi. Thrilling sounds uttered by women in applause. Ng'enda the ndiagaga motegl, Nothing treads that cannot be trapped. Nge», Pieces of a broken pot. Ngerewani. Advance guard. Ngiri. A thousand. Ngiria. A beetle used for magical purposes. Ngsima (I). A ceremony for sealing marriage arrangements. Ngsima (2). A fat sheep.

Ngsma.

Spirits, good or bad.

Ngoma cia aciari. Spirits of parents. Ngama cia ags. Spirits of magicians. Ngoma cia riika. Spirits of an age-group. lv,/JmhE. A cow, cattle. Ng':mh€ ya igongcna. A ceremonial cow.

Glossary Ng'ondo. Land, cultivated or uncultivated; Getlza1ca. Ng»:», A branch of banana tree, banana bark.

Ngus. Clothes, garments. Ngus ya maribe. A kind of women's dress. Ngus ya ngJrJ. A cloak worn by women. Nguraris, A sheep killed in the preliminary

arrangements for matrimony. Nguro. A dance in the form of drill, for men only. Ngwati. A tassel, below the head of the male organ. Ngwataner», Joint property, partnership. Ngwek». Fondling, caressing. Ngwek» ya Gecsmba. European (i,e, vulgar or lustful) sexual intercourse. Njalze." A kind of Gikuyu bean. Njama. Council. Njama ya arogi. Council of wizards. Njama ya ita. Council of war. Njama ya itwika. Council of the Revolution. Njamaya kerera. Traditional Council. Njamha. A brave man, hero. Nj€gErli. Stinging-nettle. Njera. Road, path. Njingiri. Small rattles. Njogo. Tree peas. Njongwa. A specialised dance for young men only. Nj:Jlzi. Beer, any alcoholic drink. NjJhi ya gotlzugumitlzeria mbori. Beer given in celebration of the first instalment of roracio. NjJhiya ngoraris, Beer for celebrating an engagement. NjJhiya njooris. Beer given to a girl's parents in a formal proposal. NjJhiya ooke. Honey beer. Nyakiamhi. Head wife, first wife. Nyamo-Njoru. A fierce animal. Nyina. Mother (his, hers, theirs). Nyokwa. Mother (your). NYJnJJ. Breasts. NYJni. A bird. NyJniya monyaka. Lucky bird, i.e. lucky omen. Ny» tao Thirsty.

o Ocoro. Gruel. Ogemhe. Millet (small).

O!z.,f:J.News, affairs, marten. Jealousy.

Oiru,

328

Facing Mount Kenya

Okamini. Generosity, nobility. Omhani. Attractiveness to the opposite sex. Omhani na ngweko, Attractiveness to the opposite sex, friendship

based on sexual intercourse. Onsru. Fatness, fertility. Ooke. Honey. Oomo. A kind of medicine to stimulate bravery and perseverance. Oriro. Mystery, wonder. Orogi. Poison. Ororo. Bitterness; poison for arrows. Orugare wa nysnd». Warmth of the breast. Oruma wa hui. Hyena's pit or cave. Otaari wa mocie. The family's traditional education. OtAamaki. Kingdom. Otonga. Wealth. R Riige (pl. Mariige). Door. Riika (pl. Mariika). Age-grade. Riika remwe, Belonging to one age-grade. Rogamhi. A small bell for ceremonial purposes. Rohuk», Wind, evil spirit, spirit of wind. Rokwars; A strip of goat or sheepskin worn ceremonially. Rong'otAo. Clitoris. Rooa (pl. Njoa). Skin. Rooe (pl. Njooe). Rivers. Roracia. .. DOWry," lobola. Rorere. Tribe, nation, race. Rothuk», Enticement, magic, magnetic power. Rwenji. Razor. T Taata. Aunt. T'aatha, Contents of the stomach. TEnE. Long time ago, tenc na tene, ever and ever. Thaai. Peace, tranquillity. Thaata, Barren. Thahu (pl. Mathahu). Taboo, defilement. Thaithayai. Praise, beseech. Thaka. Handsome, beautiful, beauty. Thakame. Blood. Thangari. Couch-grass. The. The world, the earth.

Glossary

329

A small calabash used for carrying gruel in circumcision dances. TIz€ng€. He-goat. Thlngira. Man's hut, bachelor-hut. rs« Enemy. Tk,gw:J. Father (yours). Toturi. Corners.

Thego.

w Initiates' song after circumcision. Wakeri. Form of greeting used by a girl to her sponsor. Wakia-maito. Form of greeting used by a child to her aunt. Wakia-mware. Form of greeting used by an aunt to her niece. Wakine. Form of greeting used between members of the same age-grade. Watu wa Mngu. People of God; prophets, seers (Swahili). Wain«,

INDEX Angare,6 Angoi,6 Anjiro,6 Anthropologists, 154, 279; Int. page xii Anthropology, Int. pages vii, viii;

A

Aathi,24. See also Ndoroho Abyssinia, Int. page x Acheera,6 Adultery,6, lSI, 229 Agachiko,6 Age-grades} 2, ]06, 115-Il6, Age-groups 26)-264, )09, )12, )]),315; Preface pages xv,

Preface page xv

xix At wedding, ]72 Forms of address, 9, ]] In military organisation, 200, 205, 20S, 211 Leadership, ]40-]4] Names, 100, 1)4-]35 Solidarity, ]]5, lIS, IS], 227 Agitators, Int. page x Agriculture, 5), 55-6), ]77-]7S Beginning of, ]87 Training in, ]02-103 Agu, 85, 13) Ahoi. See Mohoi Airimo,6 Aitherando, 6 Amhoi,6 Anake. See Mwanake Ancestor Worship, 5S, 26}-268 Ancestors, Communion with, 74, J38, 2)2, 2)5, 239, 26)268,276 Ancestral Spirits, ]4, 21, 74, 75, 76,77,79,82, I14, ]]5, 141, 21),215,2)1,24°,252,264, 265,266,276,277,284,291, 292, 316

Aristotle's" Politics," IS7 note Assault, 217, 226 Athami. See Mothami Atholl, Duchess of, 131

B

Bachelor huts, 157, 161 Baptism, 272 Basket-making, 55, 89-90 Behaviour Patterns, ), 8-19 Bihk, 225,271-27), 275, 276 Blacksmiths, 68, 70-76, 86, 27S. See also Smiths and Ironwork Blue-Book of Africa, 47 Bodily Injury, 229 Borori wa Gikuyu, 22 Brewing, 55 Briheryand Corruption, 225, 226 Buget, Father, 107 Buxton, C. R., 1)1

c Cattle, as compensation,

331

228, 229 In disputes, 217, :u8, 219 As loot, 206, 209, 2Il

Facing Mount Kenya

332 As presents, As roracio, face page As wealth, face page

174 167-168;

Pre-

xv 62, 64-67;

Pre-

xv

Charms, 280, 281-28] Chiefs, Government appointment. of, 196, 225-226 European idea of, 3 10

Power of, 32-33 Qualifications, 299 Share of loot, 207 Children, education, 98-129 Firstborn, 153 Forms of address, 9, 12, 14, 15

Importance of, 16]-164,

175, 182, 184, 185, 218, 272 In ceremonies, 82, 190-192, 245, 246, 248, 2)2-254 Ceremonial shaving of, 26] In economic life, 56-57, ]11, ]12 Christian Names, 272 Christians

Attitude to Gikuyu customs, 153,270,271

Gik~yu, 250, 251, 254 Relation with Watu wa Mngu, 273,274,279,316. See also Missionaries Church, the, 242, 272;

Int. pages

xi, xii Church of Scotland Mission, 130, 273 Churches, 236 As Storehouses, 130 Circumcision, 2, 17, 107, 109, I II, IIJ, 130-154, 188, 193, 198. See also Clitoridectomy, Irua, Initiation Jewish, 133 Civil Procedure, 217-226 Clan, names, 5-8

Origin, ) Principle,

I.

See also Mbari

Clitoridectomy, 130-154,273. See also Circumcision, Initiation, Irua Commission of Inquiry, 48-51 Committee of Judges, 220, 221, 222 Compensation, 228, 229 Congo, 24 Cousins, behaviour of, 15, 161 Cows. See Cattle Criminal Procedure, 226-2]0 Crops, 58-59, 60. See also Agriculture, Planting, Harvesting, etc. Watching, 94 Crown Lands, 47 Cultivation. See Agriculture Cultivation Rights, 22,27, 29, 30, 32,33,34,3),3~4I,44 Curses, 39, 40, 76, 79, 221, 222, 302

D Dagoretti, 45 Dances, 36, 93, 96 Children's, 104;

Preface page xvi Initiation, 97, 136-137, 139, IP-I)2

Itwika, 193 Not used in certain rites, 2)6 Wedding, 172 \Varriors', 96, 199, 205, 208, 245

Young people's, 96,

II),

(5)

Deforestation, 250 Destructive Magic, 299-308 Diet for Initiates, 135-IJ6 Disputes, 26, 33, 40, 214-216, 297 Division of Labour, 53-55, 87, 312 Divorce, 182, 183-185,218 Dressmaking, 91-92 Drums, 95-96 Duelling, 226

Index E

Earth, reverence for, 21 Economic Life, n-69; Int. page

xi Education,

98-129,

312,

)1);

Preface pages xvi, xviii Independent, 13I, 273 Missionary, IJI, 132, 270, 272 Eiyaki, Chief, 46 Eldership, 33, 108, 194-195,200205; Preface page xix. See also Kiama Elders, Ceremonial, 39, 41, 81, 82, 190, 192, 304 Embu, Preface page xv Epidemics; treatment of, 260-263 Ethaga,6 Ethlopianism, 29 Europeans, appropriation of land, 41-47,317-318 As educationalists, 98-99, 120129, 269, 3 I), 314

Attack

on

Clitoridectomy,

13I-IP

Communion

with ancestors,

26;-266

Destruction of trees, 245, 249 Destruction of tribal life, 2II213, 269-270 Discouragement of oaths, 225 Idea of dangerous weapons, 86 Misconceptions, 26, 37, 158159, 270, 272, 310; Int. page xv Evil Spirits, 79,95, 142,203,260, 261, 262, 263, 279, 290, 291 Execution, 301-304, 306, 317

F Family Council, 194, 214-217 Family Group, I, 5, 8, II, 13, 27, 30, JI, 32, 58, 63,227-228, 234-235,309

333

Father, position, 8, 9, 12, 13 Form of address, 9 Father's Relatives, 14- 15 Feasts, 40, 59, 60, 62, 78, 79, 80, 81, II3, 152, 168, 171, 187, 192, 194, 199, 20), 207, 256, 259,267,268; Preface page

xv Fig Trees, 3, 4, 2;7, 258 Fines, 79, 11;, 1I8, 182, 18;,201, 227,230 Fire, Ceremonial, 74, 82, I4I, 248, 25;, 256, 295, 304 First Wife. See Head Wife Firth, Dr. Raymond, Preface page

xvii Fort Hall, 2;, 27, 28, 58; face page xv Fort Smith, 45

Pre-

G Games, 101 Gaturi, Preface page xx Geneva, IJI Gikuyu, tribal ancestor, 3,4, 5,7, 22 Gikuyu Central Association, 20;

Preface pages xvii, xix, xx Gikuyu Constitution, 187, 188, 189, 193 Gikuyu, King, 186, 187, 194 Gikuyu Sayings, 14, I;, 46, ;X, 76, 81, 88, 117, 118, 120, 157, 17;, 176, 179, 182,233, 237,238,242,250,274,296, 306 Gikuyu Tribal Legends, 3-8, 2224,28,47-)2,70-71,81,8;, 104, 134 Glthaka, 21, 22, 29, 32 Githaka kia ngwataniro, 22 Goats, as ceremonial offerings, 17, 107, 108, 1I0, III, 116, IP, 174, 198, 199, 200, 207, 264; Preface page xv .

Facing Mount Kenya

334

As court fees, 220 As death symbol, 302 In disputes, 216, 217, 218, 219 As fines, 79, 182,228,229, 230 As loot, 21 I As money, 39, 56, 62, 66--67, 69, 119; Preface page xv As oath symbol, 224 As roracio, 167, 168, 169, 218; Preface page xv As sacrifice, 4, 4 I, 192, 203; Preface page xv As tribute, 46 God. See Mogai, Ngai, MweneNyaga Government, British, 26, 65, 68, 69, 77, 86, 130, 131, 195, ]96, 225, 226, 277, 278,

305 Gikuyu, 186-230,315,318 Granaries, Ritual, 257, 259 Grandparents, ] 5 -16 Great War, 212 Groves, Sacred, 36, 246,

255,

305 Gumha, 23, 24, 33

Homosexuality, 162 Horns, Ceremonial, 95--:96, 140, 144, 191, 192,254,256,302,

305 Househuilding, 34, 5), 76-84, 117 Housework, 54, 103, H2, 180 Huts, 76, 77, 82-84, 177. See also Bachelor huts Hypnotising Magic, 297-299

I Individualism, 119, 122, 195 Industries, 70-