Title:
THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GOURDS AMONG THE SAMBURU OF KENYA

Authors:
Dr. Ruth Nyambura, PhD

Volume:1 Issue: 4

Abstract:
The gourd is used as a container throughout Africa. As the fruit of one of the continent's earliest cultivated plants, the gourd or calabash as it is commonly called has long been adopted by nomadic pastoralists. Gourds are an integral part of the Samburu culture and have so many uses and symbolic meanings. The paper focuses on decoration patterns of the Samburu guards, utility and historical significance in their ceremonies. The study was informed by cultural history theory. Cultural history focuses on the changes and practices in human agency. Culture is transmitted across generations through the memory which is a faculty of the individual mind. Data was collected by use of oral interviews, non-participant observation and photography as well as thorough the examination of secondary sources from various libraries. The data was analysed using Ex Post Facto design. One of the recommendations made was that more research and documentation about the Samburu culture should be done to preserve the rich cultural heritage.

Citation:

[Nyambura, Ruth, Dr. "THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GOURDS AMONG THE SAMBURU OF KENYA." IJAH May 1.4 (2017): 336-47.]