icherishAfrica

  The Digo people, an indigenous ethnic group in East Africa, are primarily located along the coast of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.  As a subgroup of the larger Mijikenda ethnic cluster, the Digo people have a distinct cultural identity and language.  They’re renowned for their skilled craftsmanship, particularly in woodcarving and basketry. Here’s a summary of the Digo people. The Digo Family Structure Traditionally, the Digo lived in large fortified villages.  They were centered on a Kaya, a unit on top of the highest hill in the tribal area—a regular Digo family comprised of a father, mother, and children.  When the sons marry, they can continue living with their families or form homesteads. The Digo Clans The Digo have a single set of named matrilineal clans known as Fuko. The Fuko gives individuals among the Digo identity and membership.  Maternal kinship and clan ties are the most important; however, paternal relations were also acknowledged....

  The Banyankole people, also known as the Bahima and Bahororo, are an ethnic group residing primarily in the southwestern region of Uganda.  They’re a part of the larger Bantu ethnic group. The Banyankole are predominantly pastoralists and have a solid connection to cattle rearing, which forms a central part of their economy and way of life.  They had a hierarchical social structure, with the royal monarchy, known as the Ankole Kingdom, playing a significant role in their governance. Here’s an overview of the Banyankole people. The Banyankole Family Structure A Banyankole household consists of a nuclear family or, in some cases, extended families.  A married man may decide to live with his parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces in the same compound, forming an extended family.  They’d cook together and share different activities around the household.  The Banyankole Clans Traditionally, the Banyankole are divided into three main patr...

  The Maasai people are primarily found in the northern regions of Tanzania, particularly in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park.  However, some Maasai people are found in Kenya.  They’re known for their distinct customs, vibrant attire, and traditional way of life, which have captured the imagination of people worldwide. The Maasai Family Structure The man was the key figure in the Maasai patriarchal family, and his control was ultimate.  The man had his hut, while his wives and kids had their own. They resided in small manyattas that were temporary since they were pastoralists. The Maasai Clans Among the traditional Maasai, the clan system was significant since the members of each clan had communal support obligations.  The clans identified themselves with branding made on cows according to the different clans.  The Maasai clans are;  Il-aiser Il-molelian Il-makesen Il-taarrosero il-ikumai. The Maasai Totems The Maasai ha...