THE SAMBURU PEOPLE - KENYA
They are Samburu, I met them in Diani beach and hung out with them for a few hours before asking them for the pictures. Fascinating people, men’s names all start with “L” and women’s with “N”. In order of appearance are Loitipa, Luke, Lekuraki, Lorian, and Lekerde.​
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The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists, their lives revolve around their cattle (as well as sheep, goats, and camels). The traditional Samburu diet consists mostly of milk and sometimes blood from their cows. The blood is collected by making a tiny nick in the cow's jugular, and draining the blood into a cup. The wound is then quickly sealed with hot ash. Meat is only consumed on special occasions. The north-central region in which the Samburu live is a dry, somewhat barren land, and villages have to relocate regularly to ensure their cattle can feed. These settlements are called manyattas. The huts are constructed so that they are easily dismantled and portable when the Samburu move to a new location.
The red clothes wrapped around like a skirt are called shukka. This is enhanced with many colorful beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Both men and women wear jewelry although only the women make it. The Samburu also paint their faces using striking patterns to accentuate their facial features.
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They told me that lately, they have been under pressure from the government to settle into permanent villages. They have been extremely reluctant to do so since obviously permanent settlement would disrupt their entire way of life.
The area they live in is very arid and it's difficult to grow crops to sustain a permanent site. This means that sedentary Samburu will become dependent on others for their survival. Samburu families who have been forced to settle will often send their adult men to the cities to work as guards. This is a form of employment that has evolved naturally because of their strong reputation as warriors.
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Neighboring tribes, admiring the beauty of the Samburu people, called them Samburu meaning "butterfly." The Samburu refer to themselves as the loikop, which is generally thought to translate as "owners of the land."
I usually prefer to be behind the camera, but they were the ones who asked me for the last photo.
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Diani Beach, Kenya 2023