Kenyan Tribe Exhibit

When we travel, I like to keep an eye on posters and graffiti. They often let me in on cultural aspects that tour guide’s gloss over.

In Mombasa, I noticed posters on telephone poles with the word “mganga” on them. Turns out that’s the Swahili for “witch doctor” or “healer.”

One section of Bombolulu Cultural Center showcases aspects of a few of the 44 different tribes who live in Kenya.

Our first stop here was a visit with a Mganga. When no one else volunteered, I stepped up to be ritually cleansed by the Mganga and his assistant.

After a bit of chanting, our guide interpreted what they were saying. Apparently, it was my turn to say a blessing, so I blessed our cruise ship and all the passengers on it!

After this, we walked along a path which featured examples of different tribal dwellings.

A man with a cool homemade bowed instrument played a welcome song for us.

A Masai couple in traditional garb stood by their hut. The shield out front means that the man of the house is home.

According to our guide, the Masai men, “Only come home to perform their conjugal duties,” which prompted Larry to remark that, “No wonder the ceiling is low; they don’t stand up much when they are home.”

Obviously, our visit here was only the tip of the iceberg. Each one of these tribes has its own mother tongue and culture.

When our guide found out we were from the USA, he was quick to remind us that, “Your president’s family is from Kenya.”

I really enjoyed learning a tiny bit more about the many tribes of Kenya.Read more