Dancing with Samburu Warriors

Mike and Gabriel

 Into the Samburu Village

 One thing that the group is finding out very quickly is that the people of Africa are some of the warmest people in the world. They have consistently given us so many stories, smiles, and in the case of Gabriel, even invited us into their village. 

Conner raising some eyebrows among the warriors

Is there a hidden trampoline?

  I met Gabriel 12 years ago when our driver James took us to his friends village for a cultural encounter. A young, good looking warrior named Gabriel met our group to welcome us to his village. He spoke in pretty good English and took us all through his village, explaining the inner workings of the life his Samburu people. 

Barb and Erin's initiation

Mary dancing with Gabriel

  So here we were, 12 years later, on Christmas day, being welcomed into his village. After getting a big hug from Gabriel, the warriors of the village welcomed us in traditional style with a dance. In no time at all they had challenged the men to a high jump (and Conner did give them a run for their money), and had whisked away the ladies to join them in a dance. It was a very warm welcome. The colorful garbs and jewelry added to the surreal aura as the warriors deep, musical notes led the dancers into a trance-like state.  

Sherry being welcomed

After being accepted into the group we talked with Gabriel about the culture of the Samburu. Cows are still very important, raids on other villages still happen, but changes to the traditional way of life are happening. Three women from his village have gone through schooling and have taken jobs. The ideas of dowry, female circumcision, and the importance of schooling are progressing. 

Fiona's new head band

School time

Heading inside the house

Samburu accommodations

  We were able to go inside Gabriel's hut, which is made from sticks, straw, and plastered with cow dung in the traditional fashion. And the cool things about all of this is it is real. This is how the Samburu still live. Right on the edge of the encroaching dessert, with dangerous wildlife eyeing their prized cows, and technology threatening their traditional way of life. This isn't a show for tourists, or people that dress up in traditional garbs only when people are looking. We were graced with a true look at a very different culture, and it is an experience that puts our own lives into a whole new perspective. I for one always come away from these interactions with a feeling of luck for being born where I was born and for all the opportunities I've had, and of hope. 
 

Wonderful smiles

  We also got a chance to see the kids of the village. I have to wonder what future these kids will face. Will they grow up to be Samburu warriors, or will their generation forgo this tradition and instead focus on schooling and ecotourism.

  It is hard to see the future of the Samburu tribe, and the other 41 tribes within the political borders of Kenya. But for each of us that spent time with Gabriel and his Samburu family we all keep some of this experience alive within us.

Success!

Beautiful Samburu beadwork

  I always say that people come to Africa for the animals, and no doubt the animal encounters are magical, but it is so often the people that endear Africa into peoples' hearts. With wonderful smiles and warm hospitality this small group of Samburu people are changing more lives than they know.


 

Jack trying his best at fire making

Making Fire with Sticks

So happy with so little..puts things into perspective