123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Travel >> View Article

The Jewel Of Harshest Regions In Africa

Profile Picture
By Author: Peter Phiilp
Total Articles: 43
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

The Turkana tribe is a nomadic pastoralist people that inhabit Turkanaland in northwest Kenya - a vast tract of land encompassing mostly thorn scrub and semi desert, representing one of the harshest regions of Africa. They are distinguished for being great survivors living in harsh and inhospitable terrain.

It is the second largest pastoralist community in Kenya after the Maasai totaling at about 350,000 people in population. They speak the turkana language.

They originally came from the Karamojong region of North Eastern Uganda at around 400 years ago. The Turkana, like the Samburu and Maasai, still maintain their undiluted traditional way of life.

Like all the pastoralist tribes Livestock are the center of Turkana economics, representing both a food supply and wealth. Camels, cows and goats are the favoured animals, along with some donkeys and sheep and now days they engage in small scale agriculture and fishing in Lake Turkana. Like the Maasai and Samburu, the Turkana people are very colorful; they adorn themselves with colorful necklace and bracelets decorated in red, yellow and brown colored beads. ...
...

The main garment for the Turkana people is a woolen blanket. The marital status was determined by the type of attire worn by a woman. Turkana men cover their head with mud, which is then painted blue and decorated with ostrich and other feathers. Body tattooing was traditionally used to indicate achievement in the community.

Men or warriors who killed enemies were tattooed to indicate what they have done for the community. Unlike most other tribes, there is no circumcision among the Turkana. Initiation into adulthood is a somewhat subdued affair with minor rituals marking the event for boys every four years. Girls are considered adults once they are married.

Turkana men can take as many wives as they have cattle to buy them with. A marriage is only considered to be finalized after the first child has begun to walk; usually around three years after the initial ceremony. Most of turkana still keep their traditional beliefs unlike most of Kenya’s native people who have had their religious pushed aside by Christianity.

Their god is called Akuj, who is prayed to directly or through the spirits of ancestors. Animal sacrifices are common during drought periods, to please Akuj.


BIO

Natural Track Safaris is a Kenya based nature Safari Company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit http://www.natural-track.com/safaris and http://www.natural-track.com

Total Views: 310Word Count: 404See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Travel Articles

1. Explore Most Exciting Tour Packages For India
Author: RagRaj

2. Snowy Horizon: Expertly Guided Island Peak, Mera Peak And Lobuche Peak Climbing Adventures
Author: Snowy Horizon

3. Snowy Horizon: Your Trusted Partner For Ama Dablam, Manaslu And Himlung Himal Expeditions
Author: Snowy Horizon

4. Mount Oldonyo Lengai: Climbing Tanzania’s Sacred Volcano
Author: KiliTrips

5. Save Big On Delta Flight Tickets – Enjoy Up To 40% Off
Author: Deltaphonenumbers

6. Heathrow To Southampton Taxi – A Comfortable Ride With Minicabride
Author: minicab

7. Exploring The Best Diving Spots In Cyprus: A Guide For Underwater Enthusiasts
Author: Stephen Theakston

8. A Peaceful Stay: Choosing The Right Lodge Near Dharmasthala Temple For A Fulfilling Pilgrimage
Author: Hotels Dharmasthala

9. Unlock The Best Discounted Business Class Fares This Summer
Author: Buy Business Class

10. Discover Purpose Through Life-changing Mission Trips For Adults
Author: Rick Lee

11. Top Tips For Passing Your Driving Test In Melton
Author: Aintree Driving School

12. Maldives Couple Package From Kochi: A Dreamy Escape With Budget Holidays
Author: catherin

13. Luxury Hotel Booking Agency Fort Lauderdale: Your Gateway To Unmatched Comfort And Elegance
Author: James Neeson

14. Hotels Near Athirappilly Waterfall: Unwind At Athirapilly Greentrees
Author: catherin

15. Hotels In Ernakulam: Experience Comfort And Elegance At Tribute Royale
Author: catherin

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: