Information AboutKamba |
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The Kamba people ('''Akamba''' in singular '''Wakamba''' 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 ''Ukambani'' or land of the Kambas. 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 Kamba moved into their present lands over centuries of migrations from lands to the south. As they settled in hilly lands their population increased. The Akamba were agriculturalists as well as pastoralists. Trade with the Kikuyu was also practiced by the Kamba of the dry lowlands. 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 medicinal charms (''magini''), 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. 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 Kamba 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 East ern and India n markets. Early Europe an explorers also used them as guides in their expeditions to explore East Africa . The Kamba resistance to Colonialism was mostly Non-violent in nature. 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 to 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). 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. These dances were adopted from the Akamba’s participation in military activities. |