Fishing and Farming with the Turkana

Inside the traditional livelihoods of the Turkana community

Lake TurkanaNational Museums of Kenya

Meet the Turkana

The Turkana community is believed to have migrated from southern Sudan and settled around Lake Turkana in Kenya, where they mainly kept their livestock. Those close to lake Turkana and river Turkwel carried out fishing and farming in addition to pastoralism.    

Turkana (1995) by Leonard KateeteNational Museums of Kenya

Pastoralism, hunting, fishing, and camels

The Turkana are known for pastoralism, hunting and fishing. They kept cattle, goats, camels, sheep and poultry, especially ducks. Their animals provided them with milk, meat, and skins, which were used to make bags and clothing items.

They kept cattle, goats, camels, sheep and poultry, especially ducks.

The Turkana are known for pastoralism, hunting and fishing. They kept cattle, goats, camels, sheep and poultry, especially ducks. Their animals provided them with milk, meat, and skins, which were used to make bags and clothing items.

Turkana Chief's Headdress by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya

Camels were seen as a source of wealth, and slaughtered at major ceremonies in exchange for brides or to affirm friendship.

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