DOCSLIB.ORG

Cinema As Cultural Discourse: a Study of Cultural Symbols in Selected Contemporary Gĩkũyũ Comedies

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cinema As Cultural Discourse: a Study of Cultural Symbols in Selected Contemporary Gĩkũyũ Comedies CINEMA AS CULTURAL DISCOURSE: A STUDY OF CULTURAL SYMBOLS IN SELECTED CONTEMPORARY GĨKŨYŨ COMEDIES STANLEY MBŨGUA NJOROGE (M.I.P., M.A., PGD Mass Comm, B.Ed.) (M88/29307/2014) A RESEARCH THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS, FILM AND MEDIA STUDIES IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (FILM STUDIES) OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY FEBRUARY, 2019 DECLARATION This thesis is my original work and has not been submitted to any other higher institution of learning for academic credit. Signed _______________________________________ ___________________ Stanley Mbugua Njoroge (Department of Communication, Media, Film and Theatre Studies) Supervisors This Thesis has been submitted for the review with our approval as University Supervisors Signature___________________________________ Date____________________ John Mugubi, PhD Department of Communication, Media, Film and Theatre Studies, Kenyatta University Signature_____________________________________ Date___________________ Rosemary Nyaole-Kowuor, PhD Department of Communication, Daystar University ii ‘ DEDICATION This work is dedicated to all cultural enthusiasts dedicated to the growth and promotion of indigenous Kenyan languages through filmic production and other forms of artistic expressions. iii AKNOWLEDGEMENT The completion of this PhD Thesis is realisation of a major milestone in my life and that of my immediate family member, mentors and all those who believed in me. It is a testament that all dreams are valid and that vast well of knowledge is available to all those who visit her lair. Today I can validate Chinua Achebe’s assertion in his seminal work, Things Fall Apart, that, “If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings.” This achievement has been made possible by a host of individuals and institutions that I am eternally indebted to. To my wife Ngĩna, your unremitting reassurance and cheerful deportment is a great source of inspiration that helped me a great deal. To my sons, Njoroge, Mwai and Ruo (Robi), your presence and gay laughter that reverberated across our home is to me a serenade that enthused my deep-seated ingenuity which led to conception, development and writing of this thesis. To my father Njoroge (Kĩng’a) and Nyokabi Njoroge thank you for believing in my abilities even when I had doubted my inner self. To Mũngai, Kĩhara, Njenga, Mũthoni and Wanjirũ I treasure your filial and camaraderie demeanour. You have been such a blessing to me. To my paternal grandmother, the late Mũthoni (Ndundu) Mũngai, your advice on one sunny afternoon of February 1994 still echoes hope and contentment in me. You encouraged me to go for a second trial after I failed to attain university entry grade during my first KCSE exams in October-November 1993. You told me that I should not fear resitting for KCSE exams, since as the Gĩkũyũ of old said, Matuku mari matare matirĩ hinya (an appointed and definite time always lapses). To my in-laws, cousins, nephews, and nieces who are a big tribe, big enough that I cannot mention each one of you by name, your contributions, support and collegiality are valued. To my university lecturers, secondary, primary and nursery, teachers accept my appreciation for laying down academic foundation in me. To my supervisor Prof. John Mugubi and Dr. Rosemary Nyaole-Kowuor, I have received invaluable guidance and academic mentorship. Your priceless interactions came in form of enormous gifts of time, expertise, and insights for which I am keen to express my sincere gratitude. Their supervision is to say the least, an important thread that sewed together thesis’s corpus, giving it its personality, organization, and theoretical depth. I am also greatly indebted to my peers; Dr. Maurice Barasa and Mr. iv Timothy Gachanga for providing objective observations on the content and form of this thesis. As one adage says, a moment with elders is like immersing oneself into old cherished archive and library containing cultural lore and knowledge. To this end, my sincere appreciation goes to elders who helped me to decipher Gĩkũyũ culture and ways of life during this study. Special thanks go to late Mzee Karĩri Kĩhara, whom I am named after, and who despite the vagaries of old age engaged with me personally or through telephonic exchanges, sometime early in the mornings or late in the night. Unfortunately, Mzee Karĩri died on 13th August 2017 and never lived to witness his namesake’s ultimate academic feat. To the late Kariuki (Mũigai) Kĩhara who regrettably died on 13th November 2018, your grasp and mastery of Gĩkũyũ culture is legendary. Mzee Thiong’o wa Kĩambicho your participation in this study will remain etched in my memory. Thank you for sharing your solemn insights on my ancestral heritage. Other notable elders who deserve a special mention include: Mzee Mwangi Muchoki, a resident near Mũkũrwe wa Nyagathanga, in Kĩharũ, Mũrang’a county. Muchoki is instrumental in taking me through the sacred grove of Mũkũrwe wa Nyagathanga. Others include; Kibeba wa Mwaũra, Mzee Ngoci, Mwaura Kagiki, Mbũrũ wa Njoroge (Wa-Thera), Njoroge wa Wagathiru and Mrs. Wangũi Karĩri. To all artists and film experts, this endeavour will have been incomplete without your involvement. My gratitude goes to: Kĩhenjo, Wandahuhu and Machang’i your willingness to engage with me is highly valued. To Kenyatta University, School of Creative Arts, Film and Media Studies and everyone in the University, including staff working at the Postmodern Kenyatta University Library for having provided me with an academic and an excellent home, you made my stay and readership period at KU a meaningful event. I will be failing in my duties if I forget to recognise the role of staff of Kenya National Library Services at National Reference Centre, Community Area, Nairobi for their friendly mien that enabled me to access important works on Gĩkũyũ culture. I have also benefited immensely through Africa University Alumni office, especially through the efforts of Mr. Brian Kutiwa, Client Services Librarian at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. v Finally, to the many respondents who were a joy to interact with and to anyone else who assisted me in one way or another in completing this thesis. vi TABLE OF CONTENT DECLARATION.......................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION............................................................................................................. iii AKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................. iv TABLE OF CONTENT ............................................................................................. vii LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... xi ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRYONYMS .............................................................. xiii OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS .............................................. xiv ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. xvii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY ..... 1 1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Culture: Facets and Discourse .............................................................................. 1 1.2.1 African Cultural Ambiance ........................................................................ 4 1.3 Statement of the Problem ..................................................................................... 7 1.3.1 Purpose of the Study .................................................................................. 8 1.3.2 Research Objectives ................................................................................... 9 1.3.3 Research Questions .................................................................................... 9 1.3.4 The Study Assumptions ............................................................................. 9 1.3.5 Significance of the study ............................................................................ 9 1.3.6 Scope of the study .................................................................................... 11 1.4 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework ................................................. 11 1.4.1 The Gĩkũyũ People, Language and Cultural Symbols ............................... 12 1.4.1.1 Migration, Confluence, and Influence ................................................ 14 1.4.1.2 Colonization and Christianity and their Impact on Agĩkũyũ ............... 20 1.4.1.3 Precursors of Gĩkũyũ Film ................................................................. 24 1.4.1.4 Gĩkũyũ Cultural and Artistic Performances ........................................ 26 1.4.1.5 The Gĩkũyũ Oral Artistic Performances ............................................. 26 1.4.1.6 Theatre among the Gĩkũyũ ................................................................ 30 1.4.1.7 Gĩkũyũ in Film .................................................................................. 32 1.4.1.8 Rise of Gĩkũyũ Comedies .................................................................. 35 1.4.2 The Agĩkũyũ and their Cultural Symbols ................................................. 37 1.4.3 Bountiful Codes: Representation of Film – Culture Nexus ....................... 38 1.4.4 Towards and Understanding of
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1843 KMS Kenya Past and Present Issue 43
    Kenya Past and Present Issue 43 Kenya Past and Present Editor Peta Meyer Editorial Board Marla Stone Patricia Jentz Kathy Vaughan Kenya Past and Present is a publication of the Kenya Museum Society, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1971 to support and raise funds for the National Museums of Kenya. Correspondence should be addressed to: Kenya Museum Society, PO Box 40658, Nairobi 00100, Kenya. Email: [email protected] Website: www.KenyaMuseumSociety.org Statements of fact and opinion appearing in Kenya Past and Present are made on the responsibility of the author alone and do not imply the endorsement of the editor or publishers. Reproduction of the contents is permitted with acknowledgement given to its source. We encourage the contribution of articles, which may be sent to the editor at [email protected]. No category exists for subscription to Kenya Past and Present; it is a benefit of membership in the Kenya Museum Society. Available back issues are for sale at the Society’s offices in the Nairobi National Museum. Any organisation wishing to exchange journals should write to the Resource Centre Manager, National Museums of Kenya, PO Box 40658, Nairobi 00100, Kenya, or send an email to [email protected] Designed by Tara Consultants Ltd ©Kenya Museum Society Nairobi, April 2016 Kenya Past and Present Issue 43, 2016 Contents KMS highlights 2015 ..................................................................................... 3 Patricia Jentz To conserve Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage ........................................ 9 Marla Stone Museum highlights 2015 ............................................................................. 11 Juliana Jebet and Hellen Njagi Beauty and the bead: Ostrich eggshell beads through prehistory .................................................. 17 Angela W.
    [Show full text]
  • MARIDHIANO MASHINANI (Reconciliation at the Grassroots)
    MARIDHIANO MASHINANI (RECONCILIATION AT THE GRASSROOTS) REFLECTIONS ON THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN THE NORTH RIFT REGION OF KENYA Bishop Cornelius Korir, Dr. Matthew Bolton, William Kiptoo, Samuel Kosgei, James Kimisoi, Florence Njeri and Dr. Ronald Pagnucco. Foreword by Dr. Emily Welty, World Council of Churches. MARIDHIANO MASHINANI (Reconciliation at the Grassroots) REFLECTIONS ON THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN THE NORTH RIFT REGION OF KENYA By Bishop Cornelius Korir, Dr. Matthew Bolton, William Kiptoo, Samuel Kosgei, James Kimisoi, Florence Njeri and Dr. Ronald Pagnucco. CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ELDORET Eldoret, Kenya INTERNATIONAL DISARMAMENT INSTITUTE Pace University New York City, USA Maridhiano Mashinani (Reconciliation at the Grassroots): Reflections on the Role of the Church in Building Sustainable Peace in the North Rift Region of Kenya © Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, 2017 A publication of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Kenya, East Africa and the International Disarmament Institute at Pace University New York City, USA. Supported by St. John’s University. Editing, graphic design and production by Matthew Bolton. Cover Photo: This road was once seen as the boundary between Pokot and Marakwet communities in Lelan, West Pokot District. It is now a meeting place for those working on a joint cattle dip project in the area. All photos, including cover, courtesy of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret or Matthew Bolton. To the local peacebuilders, who struggle against prejudice, seeing the face of God in the Other; who call for justice, yet yearn for forgiveness; who support healing, in their own woundedness, and seek a society transformed.
    [Show full text]
  • Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (Ckrc) Verbatim Report of Constituency Public Hearings, Marakwet West Constituency, Kapc
    CONSTITUTION OF KENYA REVIEW COMMISSION (CKRC) VERBATIM REPORT OF CONSTITUENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS, MARAKWET WEST CONSTITUENCY, KAPCHEROP CATHOLIC HALL ON 2ND JULY 2002 CONSTITUENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS MARAKWET WEST CONSTITUENCY, KAPCHEROP CATHOLIC HALL HELD ON 2ND JULY, 2002 Present Com. Mrs. Alice Yano - Chairing Com. Isaac Lenaola Com. Prof. W. H. O. Okoth-Ogendo Secretariat in Attendance Triza Apondi - Programme Officer Jomo Nyambe - Asst. Programme Officer Martina Odhiambo - Verbatim Recorder Johnson Kasenge - 3Cs Member Meeting started at 10.00 a.m. with Com. Alice Yano on the chair. Fr. George Iregi: Tuungane pamoja tuweze kuombea nchi yetu na kuombea siku ya leo, kwa ajili ya yale yote ambayo tumekuja kujatenda. Kwa jina la Baba, na Mwana, na la Roho Mtakatifu, Amina. Baba mwema, Mungu wa milele uishiye daima. Tunakushukuru kwa ajili ya siku ya leo, tunakushukuru kwa ajili ya siku hii ambayo umeitenga hili tuje tuweze kama wananchi wa hapa, kuja kujiwakilisha, na kutoa mengi ambayo tunafaa kuyatoa kwa ajili ya Maendeleo mema ya nchi yetu. Tunakushukuru hasa sana kwa ajili ya safari njema umewajalia hawa wageni wetu, tunauliza Baba upate kuwapatia wao utulivu, utupatie nasi utulivu vile vile. Hili katika yote ambayo tutakayotenda, yote ambayo tutakayosema Baba, yawe yameongozwa na 2 Roho wako Mtakatifu, na katika yote, yaweze kutuongoza sisi kuwa wananchi bora zaidi wa Kenya, na katika yote, tuendelee kufurahia uhuru wetu, na kufurahia yale yote ambao Mungu wewe umetupatia sisi. Tunaomba basi siku ya leo iweze kuwa imebarikiwa, na uwabariki wote ambao wangali njiani wanakuja, hili sote kwa pamoja, tuweze kuunganika katika mkono mmoja, kwa ajili ya manufaa ya nchi yetu na manufaa ya maisha yetu.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Democracy Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
    Indigenous Democracy Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Marakwet Ruto Pkalya Mohamud Adan Isabella Masinde Edited by Betty Rabar, Martin Karimi PRACTICAL ANSWERS Intermediate Technology Development TO POVERTY Group-Eastern Africa. January 2004 Indigenous Democracy Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Marakwet A publication of ITDG-EA, January 2004 Isabella Masinde Mohamud Adan Ruto Pkalya Edited by Betty Rabar, Martin Karimi Copyright 2004 Intermediate Technology Development Group - East- ern Africa. Use of information contained in this publication, either wholly or in part is permitted provided the source is ackowledged. January 2004 DTP Martin Karimi ISBN 9966 - 931 - 17 - 1 This publication was funded by USAID, and UNDP/ GEF (EACBBP). Table of Contents Intermediate Technology Development Group ..............................i Acknowledgements...................................................................ii Acronyms...............................................................................iii Understanding Inherent Terms....................................................iv Abstract..................................................................................v Chapter 1 Introduction..............................................................................1 Problem Statement...................................................................1 Purpose of the Study.................................................................6 Study Methodology...................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Public Hearing Transcripts - Rift Valley - Kitale - RTJRC21.10 (Museum Hall Kitale)
    Seattle University School of Law Seattle University School of Law Digital Commons The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation I. Core TJRC Related Documents Commission of Kenya 10-21-2011 Public Hearing Transcripts - Rift Valley - Kitale - RTJRC21.10 (Museum Hall Kitale) Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/tjrc-core Recommended Citation Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission, "Public Hearing Transcripts - Rift Valley - Kitale - RTJRC21.10 (Museum Hall Kitale)" (2011). I. Core TJRC Related Documents. 93. https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/tjrc-core/93 This Report is brought to you for free and open access by the The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission of Kenya at Seattle University School of Law Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in I. Core TJRC Related Documents by an authorized administrator of Seattle University School of Law Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ORAL SUBMISSIONS MADE TO THE TRUTH, JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION HELD ON FRIDAY, 21 ST OCTOBER, 2011, AT MUSEUM HALL, KITALE PRESENT Margaret Wambui Shava - The Presiding Chair, Kenya Tecla Namachanja Wanjala - The Acting Chair, Kenya Berhanu Dinka - Commissioner, Ethiopia Tom Ojienda - Commissioner, Kenya Ahmed Farah - Commissioner, Kenya IN ATTENDANCE Chavangi T. Aziz - Leader of Evidence Simon Njenga - Hearing Clerk (The Commission commenced at 10.05 a.m.) (The Presiding Chair introduced herself and the other Commissioners) (Opening) The Presiding Chair (Commissioner Shava) : Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to these proceedings. This is the first day of our public hearings here in Kitale. The Commission is very happy to be here to interact with you.
    [Show full text]
  • M'raiji Unpublished(Phd) 2015.Pdf (3.066Mb)
    UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA FACULTY OF HUMANITIES A Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment of Requirements of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in African Languages and Literature THE TRANSFORMATION OF SWAHILI UNYAGO AND FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION INTO AN ALTERNATIVE RITE OF PASSAGE: A POSTSTRUCTURALIST APPROACH John Kirimi M‟Raiji ID NO: 201008214 Supervisor: Prof. E. Kezilahabi August 2015 University of Botswana 2015 i APPROVAL The undersigned hereby certify that he/she has read the dissertation entitled “The Transformation of Swahili Unyago and Female Genital Mutilation into an Alternative Rite of Passage: A Poststructuralist Approach” by John Kirimi M‟Raiji. This dissertation has been examined and approved as meeting the requirements of a fulfillment for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy in African Languages and Literature. Supervisor: Prof. Euphrase Kezilahabi Signature_______________________Date______________________ Advisor: Prof. James Amanze Signature _______________________Date______________________ Internal Examiner: Signature_______________________Date______________________ Co-Supervisors (i) Dr. R. O. B. Nhlekisana Signature_______________________Date______________ (i) Dr. P. S. Seloma Signature_______________________ Date______________ University of Botswana 2015 ii DECLARATION The author at the University of Botswana between August 2010 and February 2015 completed the work contained in this dissertation. It is original work except where due reference is made and neither has been nor will be submitted for any award of any other university
    [Show full text]
  • Totemism Re-Examined
    DISSERTATION / DOCTORAL THESIS Titel der Dissertation /Title of the Doctoral Thesis „Totemism Re-examined: A Study of Totems and their Relevance Today with Special Reference to the Keiyo Community in Kenya” verfasst von / submitted by Lic. Samuel Kipkemei Kigen angestrebter akademischer Grad / in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doktor der Theologie (Dr.Theol.) Wien, 2018 / Vienna 2018 Studienkennzahl lt. Studienblatt / A 780 011 degree programme code as it appears on the student record sheet: Dissertationsgebiet lt. Studienblatt / Katholische Fachtheologie field of study as it appears on the student record sheet: Betreut von / Supervisor: ao. Uni.Prof. Mag. Dr. Hans Gerald Hödl TABEL OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 6 CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................... 13 1. HISTORICAL DEBATE .................................................................................. 13 1.1. Preamble ................................................................................................ 13 1.2. The Etymology of the Word “Totem” .................................................... 14 1.3. Historical Debate of Totemism .............................................................. 15 1.4. General Critique to the Historical Debate ............................................... 51 1.5. Resume .................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 382 INDEX a Aberdare National Park 204-6, 205 Aberdares 201-8
    © Lonely Planet Publications 382 Index A Thimlich Ohinga 181 Bin Laden, Osama 259 Aberdare National Park 204-6, 205 Ungwana 301 Bio Ken Snake Farm & Laboratory 291 Aberdares 201-8 Wasini Island 279 birds 58, 84-7, 84-7, see also accommodation 317-20, see also Archer’s Post 233-4 individual birds individual locations architecture 114, 262-3, 305, 306, bird-watching 89 activities 320-4, see also individual 308, 313 books 89 activities art galleries, see also museums Central Highlands 225 Adamson, Joy 155 Baraka Gallery 310 Nairobi 109 African fish eagle 85, 84 Gallery of Contemporary East north coast 292, 293-4 African Heritage House 114 African Art 103 northern Kenya 239, 249, 251 air travel 341-3, 347-8 Nairobi 103, 108-9, 114 Rift Valley 164, 165, 166 airfares 342 old law courts 261 south coast 270, 279 airlines 342, 347-8 arts 46-50, 335, see also individual arts southern Kenya 138, 143 airports 341-2 internet resources 16, 43, 46, 49 walks 166 to/from Kenya 341-3 Athi River 121 western Kenya 177, 180, 181, 187, within Kenya 347-8 ATMs 332, see also money 188, 193, 195 Akamba people 38-9 Bissel 137 altitude sickness 208 B black market 332-3 Amboseli National Park 137-9, 138 baboons 77, 138, 162, 195, 204, 249, 77 Blixen, Karen 16, 110, 113 American Embassy Memorial Garden Baden-Powell Museum 202 boat travel, see also boat trips, dhow 108 ballooning 158, 173, 320 trips Animal Orphanage 112 Bamburi Beach 282-5 to/from Kenya 347 INDEX animals 58-9, 70, 73-83, see also bandas 318 within Kenya 348, 353 individual animals banditry 228, 327
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Alternative Rite of Passage on Girls' Education Among The
    IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 20, Issue 10, Ver. IV (Oct. 2015), PP 98-110 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org Effects of Alternative Rite Of Passage on Girls’ Education among the Keiyo Community of Elgeyo Marakwet County-Kenya J.F. Gitagno Abstract: Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) is an interventionist programme that was introduced in the 1990’s in different communities that still practice female initiation rites of passage to adulthood as a viable alternative to the controversial female circumcision also known as FGM. ARP simulates the traditional rituals as closely as possible without the physical operation of the genitals. Despite massive awareness about the harmful effects of female circumcision on women’s and girls’ reproductive health, education and human rights violation, and the law prohibiting the practice being in place, to date girls still undergo female circumcision within the Keiyo community. This study examined the emergence, success and failures of Alternatives Rite of Passage in light of girls’ education in Keiyo district. The study focused on the Keiyo people of Kenya, who have interacted with ARP since 2003. The study used a cross- sectional survey. One of the divisions was purposively chosen. A sample of 155 girls who had undergone the alternative rite of passage were identified through the purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion conducted among community’s leaders and elders. Validity and reliability of the instruments, in a pilot study, were established through expert opinion and Cronbach reliability test, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • The Economic Activities of the Pokot and the Marakwet in Kenya Author(S)
    A Market on Boundary: The Economic Activities of the Pokot Title and the Marakwet in Kenya Author(s) KURITA, Kazuki African study monographs. Supplementary issue (1982), 1: 71- Citation 103 Issue Date 1982-03 URL https://doi.org/10.14989/68304 Right Type Journal Article Textversion publisher Kyoto University African Study Monographs, Supplementary Issue 1: 71-103, March 1982 71 A MARKET ON BOUNDARY: THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE POKOT AND THE MARAKWET IN KENYA Kazuaki KURITA Laboratory of Human Evolution Studies Faculty of Science, Kyoto University ABSTRACT The market activities of three peoples--the Pastoral Pokot, the Agricul­ tural Pokot, and the Marakwet--were observed at Chesegon Vi llage, western Kenya. This village is located on the territorial boundary of the Pokot and the Marakwet, and sandwiched between mountains and dry plains. This location allows easy exchange of each people's particular products, because producers need only transport their goods short distances. It is not food staples but rather supplementary food, meat, and handicrafts that characterize the market. There is comparatively Iittle external trade. The market is also significant as a place to obtain cash and to exchange information. I present the background of their market activities (the natural environ­ ment, modes of livelihood, intertribal relations, etc.), the market activities in relation to material culture and to the family budget, economic activities outside the monetary spheres, and discuss characteristics of the economic activities around Chesegon, the function of the market and shops, and the location of the market. INTRODUCTION This research was undertaken from August 1980 to January 1981 in and around Chesegon Village, Rift Valley Province, Kenya (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethno-Ornithology
    ETHNO-ORNITH_AW_FIN.qxd 10/2/10 20:03 Page 1 ‘A novel, fascinating and wide-ranging account of the way birds are perceived by different cultures.’ Tim Birkhead, ornithologist and author of The Wisdom of Birds ornithology Ethno- ‘What is remarkable about this benchmark volume is the size and diversity of the contributions. Ethno- There can be little doubt that with its publication ethno-ornithology has arrived as an identifiable cross-disciplinary specialism, with much to say that is relevant not only to the humane sciences, but to conservation and the emerging consensus on biocultural diversity.’ Roy Ellen, Professor of Anthropology and Human Ecology and Director of the Centre for Biocultural Diversity, University of Kent, UK ornithology ‘A fascinating series of essays exploring the diverse links that exist between birds and people; studies that remind us how all human societies are deeply indebted to birds – for language, song, food, inspiration, commerce – a biocultural certainty that cries out for a stronger role in contemporary nature conservation.’ John Fanshawe, Senior Strategy Adviser, BirdLife International An African proverb states that when a knowledgeable old person dies, a whole library disappears. In that light, this book presents knowledge that is new or has not been readily available until now because it has not previously been captured or reported by indigenous people. Indigenous knowledge that embraces ornithology takes in whole social dimensions that are inter-linked with environmental ethos, conservation and management for sustainability. In contrast, western approaches have tended to reduce knowledge to elemental and material references. This book also looks at the significance of indigenous knowledge of birds and their cultural significance, and how these can assist in framing research methods of western scientists working in related areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Trends in the Use and Application of Indigenous Knowledge
    TRENDS IN THE USE AND APPLICATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE: IMPLICATIONS ON NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AMONG NANDI PEOPLE OF, KENYA PACIFICA CHEPKOSGEI MINING A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (HUMAN ECOLOGY), UNIVERSITY OF ELDORET, KENYA SEPTEMBER, 2015 ii DECLARATION Declaration by the Candidate This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other university. No part of this thesis may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author and/or University of Eldoret. Mining Pacifica Chepkosgei Siganature:__________________ Date: ___________________ Reg. No. SES/D. Phil/20/06 Declaration by Supervisors This thesis has been submitted for examination with our approval as university supervisors. Signature: _________________________ Date: _________________ Dr. Grace J. Cheserek University of Eldoret Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________________ Dr. Reginalda N. Wanyonyi University of Eldoret iii DEDICATION To the Custodians of Indigenous Knowledge of the Nandi people. iv ABSTRACT Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has been widely reported by researchers and natural resource managers as a valuable contributor to natural resource management (NRM) and biodiversity conservation. The influences of modernity throughout Africa and the developing world have seriously contributed to the negation of traditional indigenous knowledge in ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable management of natural resources. This study sought to investigate the changing trends in use and application of IK in NRM; establish environmental implications of changes in use and application of indigenous natural resource management; and determine interrelationships between the Nandi indigenous natural resource strategies and modern natural resource strategies.
    [Show full text]