Chief preparing for Eunoto

Chief preparing for Eunoto

MR 3878 · Kenya · 1967 image reworked by artist in 2020

An Elder of the Manyatta inspecting the dancers and shouting directions for the dance. Only those Murran who have led an exemplary life and fulfilled traditional expectation during their period of warrior-hood would be admitted and would share in the final and most secret stages of the ritual. The elders would line up outside the entrance to the hut, and each warrior would pass, single file, to gain admission. Those Murran who had broken tribal customs - such as sleeping with unmarried women - would be denied admission, publicly rebuked, and with their family, be shamed for life.

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