Akamba mythology
From The Book of THoTH (Leaves of Wisdom)
The Kamba people (Mukamba in singular Akamba in the plural) are a Bantu people who live in the semi-arid Eastern Province of Kenya stretching east from Nairobi to Tsavo and north up to Embu, Kenya. This land is called Ukamba or land of the Akamba. Depending on the source, they are either the third or the fifth largest ethnic group in Kenya. They speak the Kikamba language.
Origins and migration
The Akamba moved into their present lands from Western Tanzania (Unyamwezi) by way of Usambara Mountains and into eastern Kenya. As they settled in the hilly lands their population increased. The Akamba were agriculturalists as well as hunters and pastoralists. Trade in the form of barter with the Kikuyu was also practiced by the Akamba of the dry plains. Over time, they traded with communities from the coast to Lake Victoria all the way up to Lake Turkana. Trade was in the form of barter of locally-produced goods like beer, ivory, brass amulets, tools and weapons for millet, yams and cattle from the highlands. The food obtained from trading helped offset shortages caused by droughts and subsequent famine. They also traded in medicinal products known as 'Miti' (literally: plants), made from various parts of the numerous medicinal plants found in their homeland. The Akamba were also known for their craft work especially the woven baskets, pot calabashes and spoons. This existing trade network was adopted by ivory traders in the 18th century and 19th century.
The Akamba acted as middlemen between the coastal Arab Swahili traders and the upcountry tribes. Their trade and travel made them ideal guides for the caravans gathering slaves for the Middle Eastern and Indian markets. Early European explorers also used them as guides in their expeditions to explore East Africa. The Kamba resistance to colonialism was mostly non-violent in nature. Some of the best known resistors to colonialism in Ukamba were: Syokimau, Syotune wa Kathukye, Muindi Mbingu, and later Paulo Ngei, JD Kali, and Malu.
Culture and beliefs
Family plays an important part in Kamba culture. The mother is usually called Mwaitu and grandmother Usuu . Naming is an important aspect of Kamba people. Children are often affectionately called Musumbi (meaning "king"), and Muthoki (meaning "long awaited one"). Kamba children are named for/after time or events surrounding their birth. For example, Nduku is a name given to a baby girl born at night and Mutuku to a baby boy born at night. Children born when it is raining may be named Mumbua (feminine) or Wambua (masculine). Children are also named after a living or departed ancestor, depending on the parents' relationship with the person.
Like the Maasai and the Kikuyu, the Kamba believe in a monotheistic God Ngai. The supreme god is called Asa ("father" also Mwatuangi meaning "distributor," Mulungu meaning "creator" and Mumbi "fashioner") is a merciful and generally benevolent ruler of the spirits.
The Akamba traditional dance was one that was distinct from the other societies. This involved leaping and a lot of acrobatic stunts. The Akamba have many varieties of traditional dances, for example: -Mwali (pl: Myali) which is a dance accompanying a song, the latter which is usually made to critcise anti-social behaviour. -Kilumi and Ngoma, these two being religious dances _Muilu: a circumcision dance - Mbalya, or Ngutha: a dance for young people
--Angel 16:10, 31 May 2006 (CDT)
