The Borana Community of Kenya

Migration and settlement

The Borana migrated from southern Ethiopia to Northern Kenya, where they mainly live in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties.

Travelling long distances by camel

Camel seats like this were used by children when the community was travelling long distances.

Religious beliefs

Before the spread of Islam, the Borana believed in a monotheistic communication through intermediary priests (Qalla). They believed that objects such as trees, springs, and rocks had spirits. Today, some Borana are Muslims while others are Christians.

Respected elders wore white shorts

This is a pair of shorts (formerly white in color) made of cotton cloth. It was worn by a respected village elder.

Women occupied a senior position

The Borana were polygamous and the eldest wife in every family occupied a senior position. Women had the responsibility to build houses - portable, traditional round grass huts called 'dasse' - and relocate from place to place.

The roles of the men

The Borana boy would start hunting wild animals - elephants, lions, rhinos and buffalos - in his late teens. He would gain special status if he killed an animal. A man who had accomplished many acts of bravery and wisdom had more chances of being chosen as the leader of the age group. A leader was admired and respected by all.

Marriage the Borana way

This decorative wall hanging (solala) was made by the mother of a young man who was about to be married. Once married, he would hang it in his new home.

A Borana bride

The Borana marriage was preceded by several stages and long negotiations. The girl’s parents would, for example, organize a meeting (Kadda) to examine the conditions of the marriage.

Men took care of cattle

The arrow (lawe) was used to shoot a cow in the neck from a distance when blood was needed for drinking. First, the neck of the cow was tied with leather rope (gardi) then an arrow was shot into the flesh using a bow, going approximately one centimeter deep. The blood was collected in an okhole and mixed with milk.

Ploughing the fields

This is a plough hook (wagal) made of iron by a blacksmith. The iron was heated in fire until it was red hot, then hammered into shape. It was used by men to hold the plough stick and metal plough in position.

Ribs for cutting grass

These ox ribs (chiruacha) were cut from the left side of the rib cage because they were considered to be sharper than the ones on right side.

Containers for storing milk and meat

These two containers were made from plant reeds and smeared with cow dung to make them air tight and waterproof.

Grains storage

Container used to store grains. This container is sisal woven and smeared inside. It was placed in a holder to facilitate easy carriage.

Sniffing tobacco

This container and pouch were used to keep tobacco and soda (magadi). The tobacco container was made of a horn and partially covered with animal skin. The tobacco pouch was made from goat scrotum.

Communal beer for sharing

These sieves were made by a blacksmith and used by old men for drinking beer from a communal pot.

Board games

These seeds are from the Muk Sadega tree and were used by men to play a traditional board game.