DID YOU KNOW THAT KENYA HAS RECENTLY RECOGNIZED THE 43RD TRIBE
An artist must discard many of his works before he can achieve his aim. This was the philosophy behind the origin of the recently discovered 43rd tribe in Kenya, the Makonde community. It is said that one half human being, unwashed and unshorn existed by River Ruvuma, alone and lonely for so many years. One morning, in desire for company, he carved a female human figure from a piece of wood from a tree and placed it upright in the sun by his dwelling. The following day at sunrise, the figure came to life as a beautiful woman and hence became his wife. Together the couple washed for the first time in River Ruvuma.
They say a nice bath will fix just anything, enjoying the bubbles in their bath, she conceived and a child was born but it died three days later. The wife suggested that they move from the river to a higher place where the reeds grow which they did and the wife conceived again, apparently, the higher you go, the cooler it becomes. Unfortunately three days later the child died. She suggested they move higher still to where thick bushes grow, which they did. She conceived again and this time the child survived. The couple therefore had other children in the plateau over time. The children became the first ancestors of the Makonde. The name Makonde is coined from the word ‘kondeni’ which means wetlands besides the river.
In standard two I remember a story we read about a man who lived a bizarre one week life. In a stint between Tuesday and Saturday he went to school, married and got sick. I think in-between cramming my multiple table of twelve and trying to figure out outdated mathematics of how much it would cost to send a telegram chargeable per word and letter, I lost the Makonde plot. Simon Makonde was born on a Monday, named on a Tuesday, married on a Wednesday and taken ill on a Thursday. He was treated on a Friday, he died on a Saturday and was buried on a Sunday. That is the sad story of Simon Makonde.
I was drawing from this analogy how many people live a Makonde shell life. Everyone wants to be significant in life, it’s an inner desire which every human being deeply harbors within them. I believe no one enjoys the humiliation of failure or the frustration of a mediocre standard way of life, we all want more enriching experiences of life.
In Kenya a group of 300 Makonde people trekked from Kwale to Nairobi. The group was accompanied by human rights activists and other human rights supportive stakeholders. They headed to the statehouse in Nairobi to persuade the president to push their recognition as Kenyan citizens. President Kenyatta gave them a warm welcome after a scrumptious meal on Friday 13th October 2016. Indeed Kenya is home for every man.
The Makondes resilience is highly noticeable for having endured life in the margins for more than half a century. Their fight for survival is a fact evident even from their creation myth which explains the birth of the tradition of wood carving. They ventured into wood carving as an economic activity due to high demands and their perfection in the works. They have gained fame throughout the region and beyond for their beautiful and highly refined wood carvings. The Makondes craftsmanship has been defined as having no equal. The realism and life like qualities and finely horned details in the statue and animal carvings is unparalleled, the artistic flair of the more abstract pieces is exquisite.
Makondes art has been categorized as either traditional or modern makonde sculptures. This is to distinguish the latter which is used in rituals. Their masks are used in initiation ceremonies. Their art reflects a woman’s importance in their matrilineal society, the early carvings were solely based on the mother figure. Other themes came into Makonde artwork much later. Their sculptures have and are still being used as inspirations to create contemporary African art. Makonde art, though mainly made of wood carving, may also include tattooing. Generally, men tattooed boys while girls were tattooed by women. The tattooing process usually requires three to four sessions in order to produce the desired results. This process is painful and some people [especially girls] usually lack the courage to finish the second and third sessions. The tattooing ritual is a sign of courage and belonging, an outward sign to show that one was makonde.
Basically, the amazing stories behind the way of life and origin of many Kenyan communities is as marveling as the Makondes. There is always something that will capture your attention and leave you yearning to hear some more and this series has got you covered. They say you need what you want to be happy but when you are happy all your needs and wants disappear, such is the experience in Kenya, needless and wantless is the end results.
Until the lion learns how to write, the story will always glorify the hunter, the more reason you have to come see this all round amazingly rich country for yourself.
SAFE FLIGHT ✈️