Tribal Traditions Collection

A Msai warrior in full battle cry, his long-bladed spear at the ready

A Mursi woman wearing a large clay lip plate. Shortly before marriage, a girls lower lip will be pierced and progressively stretched over a year or so

Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu. A Samburu youth after his circumcision. The day after he has been circumcised, the initiate must hang in his pierced earlobes copper ear ornaments that are normally worn

Dressed in his black goatskin cloak, a Samburu boy puts his bundle of sticks, staves and gum on the roof of his mothers house

During an eunoto ceremony when Msai warriors become junior elders, their heads are shaved and they daub themselves with white clay

Samburu initiates sing during the month after their circumcision. As their wounds heal, their dances become more energetic

A Samburu initiate with bird skins hanging from his headband. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as

A Samburu initiate takes aim at a bird with a blunt arrow. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as many

A Samburu mother shaves her sons head outside her home the day before he is circumcised. Round her neck hangs his nchipi - the distinctive decoration of every boy who participates in the circumcision

Mothers rub animal fat into their sons cloaks to make them supple. This task is performed shortly before the boys set out on an arduous journey to collect sticks, staves and gum to make bows

A Samburu youth is forcibly restrained after throwing a fit in the tension-filled days leading up to his circumcision. It is not uncommon for Samburu youths and warriors to succumb to hysterical

Kenya, Kajiado, lpartimaro. Two Msai warriors in full regalia. The headress of the man on the left is made from the mane of a lion while the one on the right is fringed with black ostrich feathers

One of the most important Msai ceremonies is the eunoto when warriors become junior elders. Early one morning before the cattle are taken to pasture, their mothers shave their long ochred locks

Msai warriors resplendent with long ochred braids relax and wait for the start of a ceremony. Red has always been their preferred colour

A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision. A day after the ordeal, he will hang in his pierced earlobes copper earrings normally worn by married women

A Samburu youth, his head freshly shaved, has milk poured over him from a wooden gourd-like container decorated with green grass prior to his circumcision

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Tribal Traditions: A Glimpse into Kenya's Cultural Heritage" Witness the awe-inspiring sight of a Maasai warrior, his face painted and adorned with feathers, unleashing a battle cry that echoes through time. Step into the world of the Mursi tribe as you encounter a woman proudly wearing an intricate clay lip plate, symbolizing her beauty and cultural identity. Embark on a journey to South Horr in Kurungu, where ancient they can preserved and celebrated with utmost reverence. Immerse yourself in the captivating rituals of Kenya's tribes as you observe a distinguished figure dressed in a black goatskin cloak, embodying ancestral wisdom and authority. Delve into the solemnity surrounding the passing of an esteemed Himba lineage leader; witness how wealth and importance intertwine with mourning customs that honor their legacy. Experience the vibrant celebration following Samburu initiates' circumcision rites as they sing joyously during this transformative month-long period. Marvel at a young Samburu initiate donning bird skins hanging from his headband—a symbolic representation of connection to nature's spirits and ancestral guidance. Catch your breath as you witness an intense moment when a determined Samburu initiate takes aim at a bird using nothing but blunt arrows—testing his skills under watchful eyes. Observe tender moments between mothers and sons within the Samburu community, where heads are shaved outside homes—an act steeped in tradition signifying growth and maturity. Discover how love is expressed through nurturing gestures as Samburu mothers lovingly rub animal fat into their sons' cloaks—a timeless ritual passed down through generations. Gain insight into discipline within these communities as you witness elders restraining an unruly Samburu youth after he throws caution to the wind—an important lesson in respect and self-control.