Skip to main content

The Gorwaa People

  The Gorwaa people, also known as the Gorowa or Gweno, are an indigenous Cushitic ethnic group residing primarily in the northern regions of Tanzania, particularly in the Arusha and Manyara regions.  They traditionally practiced agriculture, livestock herding, and trade.  Their cultural traditions, including music, dance, and unique oral literature, reflect their history, beliefs, and social organization. Here’s a brief overview of the Gorwaa people. Family Structure Traditionally, the Gorowa people are of patrilineal descent. Children born in a marriage follow their father’s clan and kinship.  Males are heads of the family in that the father or eldest sons have the power to control a household. Gorwaa Clans The Gorwaa recognized several clans associated with a particular function in society. The clans included; Qooloo  Harna’aa clan (paramount chief, wawitumo) Haryaambi clan Gilawee clan Gaytu clan Sumaye clan Har’iwaay clan Harahama clan Harsule clan Totems Clans among the Gorowa ha
Post a Comment

The Major Nandi Clans you Should Know

 

Image via Unsplash

The Nandi tribe is a subtribe of the Kalenjin community and is know for its rich cultural heritage. 

The Nandi have several clans which are referred to as ortinuek in the Nandi dialect. These clans are identified and symbolized by totems known tiondo. 

Nandi totems encompass a wide range of creatures, from birds and wild animals to frogs, snakes, and even bees. 

What's truly fascinating is that these totems hold a sacred significance within each clan, making it a taboo to harm or consume any animal associated with one's clan.

If you're curious about the major Nandi clans and their associated totems, you've come to the right place. This article will provide an overview of all the Nandi clans and the animals that symbolize them. 

Let's dive right in.

The Nandi Clans and their Respective Totems

  1. Kipkenda - Bee (Maimi Segemiat)

  2. Kiboiis - Wild dog (Lelwot)

  3. Mooi - Crested Crane (Kong'oony)

  4. Kipsirgoi - Toreet (palee kut ak kutung')

  5. Kipamui - Antelope (Kergeng)

  6. Sogoom - Eagle (Chepsirereet) 

  7. Talai - Lion (Ng'etuny) 

  8. Kuutwo (Talai Orkoi)  Lion (Ng'etuny) (Talai Nandi)

  9. Kipoongoi (che kwees tibiik) -Taiyweet

  10. Kibiegen (kap rat setio let) - Monkey (Moseet) and Rat (Muriat)

  11. Kipaa (koros)- Snake (Ndareet),  Baboon (Tisiet), Moriso

  12. Toiyoi - Rain (ropta) and Safari Ants (Birechik)

  13. Kap Oiit - Elephant (Beliot, kiramkeel koe mooi) and rabbit (Kipleng'wet)

  14. Kipasiiso (Kap koluu)Asista (Sun)

  15. Kuchwa - Frog (Mororochet) 

  16. Tungo (korap oor) - Hyena (Kimageetiet)

  17. Kiptabkei - vervet monkey (Chereret)

Facts About the Nandi Clans

  • Nandi tradition forbids marriage within the same clan.

  • Specific Nandi clans are prohibited from intermarrying.

  • Nandi people hold their clan totems sacred and do not harm or consume them.

  • Women don’t belong to the clan of the family they were born into. When they get married, they belong to the husband’s clan. That why they are always referred to as ‘Cheptab oret age’ meaning she belongs to another clan.

Final Thoughts

As time passes, the rich customs and traditions of the Nandi people, particularly those related to clans and totems, risk fading among the newer generations. 

But luckily this article will keep reminding you of the major clans.  

If by any chance I have left out any important clan, lemme know in the comments.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Major Tugen Clans

  Learn about the major Tugen Clans Image via Unsplash Tugen is an ethnic group that’s part of the Kalenjin tribe. The Tugen people are organized into several clans, each with its own distinct identity and lineage.  These clans typically trace their ancestry through shared male ancestors and are an essential part of the Tugen social structure.  Each clan has specific totems or symbols associated with it, often representing animals, insects, or celestial objects.  Want to know the clans and totems? Well, you’re in the right place. This article will explore all clans and sub-clans of the Tugen tribe. Keep reading! Related: The Kipsigis clans you should know The major Nandi clans you should know The Major Tugen Clans You Should Know I’ve compiled all the major clans and sub-clans of the Tugen tribe along with their respective totems. 1. Tungo Clan Tungo clan is subdivided into two sub-clan; Tungo Kipsura Tungo Kibetu, Their clan totem is Hyena Chesiny/Kimakeet (Kipteben ngurion and Kipsin
Post a Comment
Read more

Koitalel Arap Samoei: Everything You Need to Know About Nandi’s Revolutionary Leader

  Everything about Koitalel Arap Samoei Image of Koitalel Arap Samoei Koitalel Arap Samoei is a legendary figure etched in the annals of Kenyan history.  He led the Nandi people with unwavering courage and foresight, resisting the encroachment of colonial forces during the construction of the Kenya Uganda railway.  Koitalel's strategic brilliance, cultural commitment, and ultimate sacrifice have left an indelible mark on the Nandi legacy.  Want to know more about this revolutionary leader?  Keep reading, as we delve into the life, lessons, and enduring impact of Koitalel Arap Samoei. Early Life Koitalel Arap Samoei, born in 1860 at Samitu in Aldai, stands as an iconic figure in Nandi history. The last of four sons to Kimnyole Arap Turukat, Koitalel belonged to the Kaplechach age set , and his early years were marked by a unique connection to prophetic signs.  His father's premonition of death, accompanied by a divination ritual, set the stage for Koitalel's emergence as a
Post a Comment
Read more