The Borana Community of Kenya

The community of cattle herdsmen with Ethiopian roots

Borana WomanNational Museums of Kenya

Celebrating our shared past, present, and future

Dating back centuries, the stories and traditions of the peoples of Kenya are some of the most fascinating in the world. They have enriched the country through social, economic, political and cultural activities, each with their own unique stories. Today, 44 communities are officially recognized by the government, and are classified into three linguistic groups: the Bantu, the Nilotic and the Cushitic speakers. The National Museums of Kenya holds objects telling the stories of the communities, which represent the country's ethnic diversity and vibrant cultures. Many of the cultural practices are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. This exhibit celebrates the country’s rich heritage through the Borana community. 

Borana WomenNational Museums of Kenya

A look into the history and culture of the Borana

The Borana community is the largest sub-ethnic group of the Oromo-speaking people. They are a Cushitic linguistic group in Kenya. Other Oromo communities in Kenya include the Gabra, Orma and the Sakuye. The name Borana means 'free', in reference to their nomadic nature.

Milk ContainerNational Museums of Kenya

Migration and settlement

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

Camel seatNational Museums of Kenya

Travelling long distances by camel

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

AnkletsNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Borana WomenNational Museums of Kenya

Social and political structures

The Borana were ruled by 43 Abba gada after migrating into Kenya. These leaders were the defenders of Borana identity, symbolized by the guutu – a braided tuft of hair on the top of the head, and a 'kalacha' worn on the forehead. The Borantiti (council of elders) had a moral dimension of peaceful well being and respect for a common law. 

ShortsNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Borana Woman by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Borana Elder by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Ivory armletsNational Museums of Kenya

Ivory armlets of wealth

These armlets were worn by men as a sign of the wealth of their cattle herd. A man without cattle was called Qolle guutu hiikhan, “a destitute whose hair is unbraided”.

Due to this, he would not be able to perform his social obligations, marry, or participate in rituals. In effect he lost his identity as a Borana. A person cannot be Borana by birth alone, since becoming stockless can deny that identity.

Wall HangingsNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Borana BrideNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Borana man attire by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya

Nomadic pastoralists

The Borana were nomadic pastoralists who herded livestock including cattle, goats and sheep. They lived in semi-arid areas. They also practiced small scale farming on fertile lands in the higher regions around Moyale, and in the river basins in Isiolo county. 

Arrow (1974)National Museums of Kenya

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.

Plough hookNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Warrior BowNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Milk containerNational Museums of Kenya

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.

ContainerNational Museums of Kenya

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.

Borana WomanNational Museums of Kenya

Recreation

The Borana involved themselves in different activities during their leisure time. 

Tobacco PouchNational Museums of Kenya

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.

StrawNational Museums of Kenya

Communal beer for sharing

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

SeedsNational Museums of Kenya

Board games

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

Borana ManNational Museums of Kenya

Celebrating Kenya's communities today

Many of the cultural practices of the Borana are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. The heritage and culture of the Borana community, along with the more than 44 communities in Kenya, continues to fascinate and inspire. The National Museums of Kenya invites everyone to celebrate the intangible cultural heritage of all communities which makes up this great nation. 

Credits: Story

Learn more about the National Museums of Kenya by visiting our website.

Exhibit Curator: Philemon Nyamanga, Cultural Heritage Department. pnyamanga@museums.or.ke

Photography and Creative Direction: Gibson Maina and Muturi Kanini. Gibs Photography

Exhibit Layout: Hazel V. Sanaipei .Agnes, Mbaika Kisyanga, and Barnabas Ngei.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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