Kikuyu Warrior by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya
Meet the Kikuyu
The Kikuyu people traditionally believed in a supreme being (Ngai), who lived on Mount Kenya. The name 'Ngai', meaning ‘one creator God’, was borrowed from the Maa language and used by both the Kikuyu and the Kamba.
Mount KenyaNational Museums of Kenya
The Kikuyu offered prayers and sacrifices to Ngai at designated sacred places, such as on the top of a hill or mountain and under specific trees. Sacrifices were conducted by the members of the ruling generation, who appointed special priests for each occasion as it arose.
Divorcing a husband the Kikuyu traditional way by Asaph N. MacuaNational Museums of Kenya
It is believed that Ngai created and put the first man (Gikuyu) and woman (Mumbi) on earth. Traditionally, the Kikuyu trace their origin to this couple. According to folk tales, one day Ngai appeared to Gikuyu and allotted him the land at the south-west of Mount Kenya (Kirinyaga).
Cross Shoulder ornamentNational Museums of Kenya
He then built a homestead at Mukure wa Nyagathanga, near Murang’a. This place is considered sacred to the community and is filled with wild fig trees.
Kikuyu Bride by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya
The couple were blessed with nine daughters: Wanjirũ, Wambũi, Njeri, Wanjikũ, Nyambũra, Wairimũ, Waithĩra, Wangarĩ, and Wangũi. But no sons.
Waist beltNational Museums of Kenya
When time came for the daughters to start families of their own, they asked their father, who prayed and offered sacrifice to Ngai under a mugumo tree.
ArmletNational Museums of Kenya
The next day they found nine men under the mugumo tree, and they married the nine Gikuyu daughters. The latter became the ancestors of the nine Kikuyu clans, whose descendants increased in number over the years and spread in the Mount Kenya region.
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