Introduction

The Rhodia Mann Samburu Museum is the largest collection of social and cultural artifacts typical to the Samburu people. The museum was established at the International School of Kenya in the spirit of preserving the cultural heritage of the Samburu people and consequently immortalizing the stories, beliefs, and lives of the Samburu people by passing on the knowledge of the culture to future Kenyan generations.

Museum founder - Mrs Rhodia Mann

Rhodia Mann has an incredible life-story which put her in the perfect spot to tell the story of the Samburu people. She lived and grew up with a Samburu family through most of her life but hearing us tell you her story would be an injustice. So here's an interview with Mrs Mann herself.

This way to the Exhibition

A girl spends all her leisure-time in beautifying herself and in showing off her beadwork skills. Her first beads are usually given to her by her father, but warriors often give beads to their girlfriends.

As of 1976, all glass beads used in tribal beadwork in Kenya come from the Czech Republic. However the beads in this njili are all of Venetian origin.

Originally, the njili was relatively plain, using beads of various colors, each representing a different aspect of Samburu culture, such as the sky, grass or young boys. Girls nowadays compete with each other in creating additions to the basic structure, such as this "Christmas tree" decoration using mother-or-pearl buttons, chains, and metal discs.

In contrast to the Maasai, a Maasai woman carries her personal belongings in a beadedd leather bag called an olbene. All these beads are Venetian, circa 1950.

As of 1976, all glass beads used in tribal beadwork in Kenya come from the Czech Republic. However the beads in this njili are all of Venetian origin.

The bag in which a married woman carries her personal belongings is known as a samburr. Similar bags are used by warriors to collect honey fresh from the hive.

The name "Samburu" may have derived from this bag. Alternatively, it may come from the Maa word for butterfly – sampirimpiri – implying something colorful that flits about!

Small calabashes like these are used as milk containers. Wooden stoppers, leather straps, and Venetian beads. The largest has been beautifully repaired with wild asparagus fibers (ensete). These days, plastic containers are more likely to be used in areas where these can be obtained.

In contrast to the Maasai, a Maasai woman carries her personal belongings in a beadedd leather bag called an olbene.

All these beads are Venetian, circa 1950.

Fashions change over the years, but the basic principle involves a layer upon layer of beads in any pattern or order a girl desires. The under-layers are nearly always pain red. The full collection may weigh several kilos. When girls dance, the necklaces fly up and around their necks in a provocative manner, thus truth enticing the would-be suitors.

Maralal: 1993

As a woman ages, she puts aside her heavy bead and gives them away to younger women. She remains only with the “under-beads” which are usually red.

A rare water container made from a piece of hide taken from a giraffe's neck. Usually found in the homesteads and used by the women and girls.

A small knife or digging tool made of an iron blade with sticky plasters wound around the wooden blade handle to form a safe handle. The blade could be used for fleshing hair off cowhides.

Found in an abandoned homestead following tribal clashes

Baragoi: 1996

Wooden doll represents a married woman. She wears a goatskin skirt, Venetian beads, and a collar made of grass. It is called an mporro and is traditionally worn only by married women.

Down her back, she wears a leather beaded cape. This is normally worn as an apron by Turkana women and is an unusual example of cross-cultural dressing.

Maralal: 1976

This cow-bell made of iron and animal hide would be used on livestock animals to alert the Samburu of the herd’s whereabouts.

N’gari: 1999