Still semi-nomadic and very strongly connected to their traditions and culture, the Samburu are one of the most famous and interesting tribes in Kenya. Closely related to the Masai and speakers of a version of the Maa language, they are believed to have reached Kenya between four and five centuries ago with other Nilotic groups walking south from the Horn of Africa.
The Samburu tribe, just like the Maasai is a semi-nomadic people. Only the Samburu people are still very traditional and have not parted with old customs as compared to the Maasai. Cattle, as well as goats, sheep, and camels, play a vital role in the Samburu way of life and culture. The Samburu are highly dependent on their livestock for survival. Their diet comprises mostly of milk and occasionally blood from their cows.
The Samburu tribe lives north of the equator in the geographically fascinating Samburu County of Northern Kenya.
Samburu County is mostly dry barren land, and the Samburu tribe has to relocate to be certain their cattle have enough food. Every few weeks the tribe will change location to find fresh grazing grounds. Huts are constructed using hide, mud, and grass mats strung over poles. A fence is built around the mud huts for protection from wild animals. The Samburu tribe settlements are called manyattas. The Samburu usually dwell in groups of five to ten families. Traditionally Samburu men look after their cattle and they are also responsible for the overall safety of the tribe.
Samburu women are responsible for gathering vegetables and roots, caring for their children, and collecting water. Samburu girls usually help their mothers with domestic chores. The Samburu are a gerontocracy, the elders rule the tribe. It is the elders that decide when ceremonies will occur, such as weddings and circumcisions. Entry into womanhood and manhood is marked with a circumcision ceremony. Men and women are only able to get married once they have been circumcised, as prior to that they are still considered as children.
Once a boy has been circumcised he is now considered a Moran (a warrior). The men are placed into age sets and as a group move from one social position to another. From child to Moran, to junior elder, and finally to elder.
The traditional dress of the Samburu tribe is a striking red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash. This is adorned with many colorful beaded earrings, bracelets, anklets, and necklaces. Each piece of jewelry worn represents the status of the wearer. Dancing is a significant part of Samburu culture.
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