Kikuyu Culture

Kikuyu Marriage Practices. The Kikuyu believed in a supreme being called Ngai, who created their ancestors Gikuyu and Mumbi. Although some sources claim they were ten, Gikuyu and Mumbi had nine daughters. Ten is considered unlucky in Kikuyu culture, so …

Key roles  and  Ruracio process explained Roles Village elders(athuri) Spokesman(muthamaki) Process How is bride price valued? What does dowry constitute of? How marriage Ceremony occurs? Village elders(athuri) Who is a village elder?  People who are valued in wisdom and hold …

Clans & Totems in Kikuyu Culture. The Kikuyu believed in a supreme being called Ngai, who created their ancestors Gikuyu and Mumbi. Gikuyu and Mumbi had nine daughters, although some sources claim there were ten. Ten is considered unlucky in …

Pregnancy Traditions in Kikuyu Culture. by Anne Wahome Children are precious in Kikuyu culture, and mothers are respected and honored. A woman changes her diet when she discovers she has conceived. She only eats mashed foods. These included marigu ( …

Manners & Protocols in Kikuyu Culture The Kikuyu are pleasant and hardworking people. They value people who are friendly and social and can tell tasteful jokes. They are also susceptible to insults, and one must speak very carefully. The Kikuyu …

Neighbourly Practices in Kikuyu Culture Traditionally, the Kikuyu relied heavily on their clans. Clans were expected to meet regularly. Their support was indispensable during occasions like payment of blood money, buying and selling, circumcision and marriage. If a member of …

Dining & Hosting in Kikuyu Culture The Kikuyu reserved different parts of slaughtered animals for various members of society. For example, the Njama, the military arm of the community, would eat the dewlap. The Kiama elders would eat the belly. …

Dance 1.Circumcision Dances 2. Harvest Dances 3. Marriage Dances The Kikuyu are best known for the mwomboko dance, although this is borrowed from the Europeans. It resembles the fox trot and was introduced to them by soldiers who returned home …

Death & Funerals in Kikuyu Culture. by Anne Wahome   The Kikuyu were afraid of handling the dead, as contact with a corpse was considered thahu, an abomination. Huts had to be demolished if a family member died at home. …