Samburu (original) (raw)

The Samburu are an ethnic tribe in Kenya related to the Maasai. They are a warrior-race of semi-nomadic pastoralists who mainly herd cattle but also keep sheep, goats and camels.

They live north of the equator in Samburu District, an area roughly 8000 square miles. Its landscape is one of great diversity and beauty. Before and afew years after independence the area north of the equator was called the Northern Frontier District (NDF). Samburu district was once a large part of the NDF. Only government officials were allowed to enter and it was closed to foreigners of both European and African descent. A special permit issued by the administration was required to enter the NDF. Even today Samburuland is still a remote area.

The Samburu are part of the Maa speaking people as are the Maasai. About 95% of the words of both languages are the same. The name 'Samburu' is also of Maasai origin and is derived from the word 'Samburr' which is a leather bag used by the Samburu to carry meat and honey. In the remote past the Samburu were hunters and honey-gatherers. The majority of the Samburu are a minor branch of the Laikipiak Maasai. The others are from breakaway groups from the Rendille, Turkana and Borana tribes.

A Samburu settlement is known as a nkang or manyatta. It will normally consist of six or more huts built in a rough circle with an open space in the centre. The circle of huts is surrounded by thorn bush fence.

SAMBURU by Nigel Pavitt ISBN 1-85626-429-7

references: SAMBURU by Nigel Pavitt.