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Facing Mount Kenya: A Journey into the Heart of the Gikuyu Tribe

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Published in Summary Study Guide Facing Mount Kenya The Tribal Life Of Gikuyu By Jomo Kenyatta

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Facing Mount Kenya, a seminal work by Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, offers an intimate glimpse into the cultural traditions, social structure, and spiritual beliefs of the Gikuyu people. This comprehensive study guide and summary will provide you with a deeper understanding of Kenyatta's anthropological masterpiece, helping you unlock the richness and complexity of Gikuyu life.

Summary & Study Guide Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu by Jomo Kenyatta

by David Butler

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Language	:	English
File size	:	147 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
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Chapter 1: The Gikuyu Country

In this chapter, Kenyatta introduces the reader to the Gikuyu people and their ancestral homeland in the Mount Kenya region. He describes their agricultural practices, land tenure system, and the geographical features that have shaped their way of life.

Key Points:

* The Gikuyu are a Bantu-speaking people who have inhabited the Mount Kenya region for centuries. * They are primarily agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as maize, beans, and bananas. * The Gikuyu clan system plays a vital role in their social organization and land ownership. * Mount Kenya holds deep cultural and religious significance for the Gikuyu people, representing the dwelling place of their supreme god, Ngai.

Chapter 2: The Gikuyu Family

Kenyatta delves into the intricate family structure of the Gikuyu, emphasizing the importance of kinship ties and the roles of men and women within the household. He explores the rituals and ceremonies surrounding birth, marriage, and death.

Key Points:

* The Gikuyu family is patriarchal, with the father holding primary authority. * Polygamy is practiced, allowing men to have multiple wives. * Children are highly valued and play a significant role in the household economy. * Marriage is arranged by the families of the bride and groom, and involves elaborate ceremonies and exchanges of wealth.

Chapter 3: The Gikuyu Age-Grade System

The age-grade system is a defining feature of Gikuyu society, shaping individuals' social status, responsibilities, and privileges. Kenyatta explains how age-grades regulate political and economic life, ensuring the smooth functioning of the community.

Key Points:

* The Gikuyu divide their society into distinct age-grades, each with its own set of duties and responsibilities. * Age-grades are organized into regiments, which play a crucial role in warfare, hunting, and other community activities. * The progression through age-grades marks significant transitions in an individual's life and status within the community.

Chapter 4: The Gikuyu Religion

Kenyatta explores the rich spiritual beliefs of the Gikuyu, focusing on their concept of Ngai, the supreme god, and the role of ancestors in their religious practices. He analyzes the rituals, sacrifices, and divinations that form the core of Gikuyu spirituality.

Key Points:

* Ngai is the all-powerful creator god, revered as the source of all life and blessings. * Ancestors play a vital role as intermediaries between the living and the divine, offering guidance and protection. * The Gikuyu practice various rituals and ceremonies to honor Ngai and appease the spirits of their ancestors. * Divination is widely practiced to seek guidance in decision-making and to uncover hidden knowledge.

Chapter 5: The Gikuyu Political System

Kenyatta examines the traditional political system of the Gikuyu, emphasizing the role of elders, chiefs, and councils in decision-making and conflict resolution. He discusses the principles of justice, law, and Free Download that govern Gikuyu society.

Key Points:

* The Gikuyu political system is decentralized, with decision-making occurring at the village level. * Elders are highly respected and hold significant influence in community affairs. * Chiefs are responsible for maintaining law and Free Download, and for representing their communities in inter-clan disputes. * Councils provide a forum for discussing and resolving community issues, and for formulating laws and regulations.

Facing Mount Kenya is a captivating and insightful exploration of the Gikuyu people and their unique cultural heritage. Through his detailed observations and firsthand experiences, Jomo Kenyatta captures the essence of Gikuyu life, providing an invaluable resource for students of anthropology, African studies, and anyone interested in understanding the richness and complexity of human culture.

This study guide and summary has provided a comprehensive overview of Kenyatta's masterpiece, highlighting the key themes and insights that make Facing Mount Kenya an enduring classic of African literature and anthropology.

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