The Pokot is a tribe in Africa living in both Kenya and Uganda. However, most Pokots live in the Northern part of Kenyan Rift-Valley which lies along the Kenya /Uganda border. An interview with Daniel Lotodo, a 78 year old man from the community revealed a lot about the ethnography of the community
The Pokot for a long time are predominantly pastoralists’. Their occupations of cattle keeping has been necessitated by environment factors. The area is semi arid and agricultural produce can hardly do well. However, through barter trade with neighboring communities such as the Samburu and the Marakwet, the society would get other basic necessities like sorghum and finger millet. However, they mainly ate meat and drank milk and blood from their livestock. They also ate butter and cheese. In the interviewee’s family there were 23 children in general, ten from his mother’s house and the rest from the other mothers since his father was a polygamist with three wives. In the Pokot culture, polygamy was allowed. The only condition was that the man had to provide equally to all the wives
The Pokot community is largely patriarchal in nature. The father as the head of the family exercises a lot of powers. He is not only the owner of family property but also the administrator of family rights. The eldest son assumed these roles particularly when the father was dead or not around.
The roles of the gender differed in the Pokot culture with the young uncircumcised men between the ages of ten to twenty five forming part of the communities standing military of warriors who were charged with the responsibility of protecting communal properties. The reason why the community had warriors was because the young men had to use any means possible to acquire livestock for paying dowry. They also protected the community from the frequent cattle rustling from neighboring communities. The boys were introduced to cattle grazing at a tender age of about five. They had to make sure that the animals had access to both water and pasture. However, the girls ensured that all the family members were fed. They also fetched water which is scarce and firewood.
Women were also engaged in basket weaving, milking cows, leather, pot, and guard making. On the other hand, men specialized in beehive making and blacksmithing for mainly spears and knifes.
Circumcision for both males and females was mandatory as a right of passage. The ritual had educational, moral and social functions in the society. The initiation was meant to prepare the initiates for future community roles. It was believed that the removal of the fore skin for males and clitoridectomy for females changed one from childhood into adulthood. The initiation was also used to rank the society members into age-sets. The community had seven age-sets in general and each age set had varying levels of authority in the society. The oldest had most authority while the youngest had the least. The initiation age amoung the pokot ranged between ten to twenty five years.
After the rite of passage had been performed, the initiates are isolated in the forest for a period of about one and a half months as their wounds heal. During this seclusion period the initiates are taught societal norms and values of the community. They are also educated on issues related to bringing up a family, discipline and respect for the elderly. The initiation ceremony finally climaxes when the initiates are admitted back into the society with a feasting festival.
Failure by members of any particular age set to respect the elders or any members of a senior age set was considered a serious collective failure and breach of societal norms. Such defiance was punishable through fines or barring the entire age set from participating in certain communal activities until when a cleansing ritual was performed. The penalized age set would also punish the particular offender to serve as example to would be offenders. Other initiation ceremonies included; the naming ceremony, the harvesting ceremony, the cleansing of partners anticipating their first born, the cleansing of infants born in strange circumstances such as twins and the removal of the lower incisor teeth.
Elders were permitted to discipline any child in the society who was unruly or misbehaving without question. Similarly, if the head of the family unit was unable to resolve a conflict in his homestead, the elders from the extended family were invited to arbitrate.
The choice of a husband or a wife was the responsibility of the parents and or the elders. Even in circumstances where the would be partners meet alone; parents and the elders would finally come in to make marriage arrangements. Old men from both sides would meet to establish if there were no blood relations between the two communities and if marriage was possible between them. This was because marriage between blood relatives and communities who were not relating well due to past disagreements was seriously discouraged.
If a marriage relationship was agreed by the two sides, negotiations for the bride price followed. After this, the elders from both sides made a covenant to strengthen the marriage bond. The oath was meant to ensure stability of the new family since the couples would take it seriously. Marriage conflict would be brought before the marriage witnesses for arbitration.
Pregnancy or sex before marriage was not allowed and any man who engaged in sexual act and impregnated a lady was forced by the elders to marry her. If it was realized that a child was born between relatives, the child was supposed to be murdered. It was believed that if the new born child was not killed, misfortune would come.
The pokots loved arts that range from story telling to songs. They also liked decorative especially bodily ornamentation. The ornaments included beads. Songs were particularly sung during ceremonies such as beer parties.
The Pokot had knowledge of herbal medicine especially the elderly. However, women specialized in midwifery. They also believed in diviners. These were the most revered elders in the society since it was believed they had close associations with the ancestors of the community. They could also prophesy what might befall or negatively affect the community in future. They would therefore caution the society if there is an impending calamity or take suitable action to reverse it altogether.
There was council of elders at each village in the community. The council of elders had the responsibility of dispute resolution between individuals in the society or even between family members. They settled disputes such as disagreements over land, theft and even fights. The council therefore acted like a community court. Here, communal squabbles and disagreements would be deliberated upon then proper action taken. In fulfilling their roles of justice administration, the council of elders was guided by societal norms and traditional practices.
If one felt that he had been wronged by another member of the community, he or she was expected to report to the leader of the council of elders or otherwise known in the local language as Kiptayan. He would then summon both the offender and the offended plus members of their families to their informal court. The council of elders would then hear from the two sides and as judges make a decision. Usually, the plaintiff, the defendant and their respective family members would be the witnesses.
If the convicted person is not satisfied with the verdict, he or she has two alternatives. The person would be asked to take a short break and consult with members of his age set. These people would grill him to either tell the reality or accept the punishment. The council of elders would in the meantime consult on the way forward. Upon the return of the convict to the court, one person in the age set who accompanied him is given a chance to say what they agreed. If they agreed to the charges all members of the age set contributed something small as crime was considered communal.
However, if no agreement was reached, a larger meeting that would involve the council of elders from other neighboring villages, more relatives and friends would also be invited to meet on an agreed date. This stage also involved the invitation of both paternal and maternal uncles so that the council would not be to blame in their final verdict. The community members respected the courts since they had a reputation in efficient justice administration.
If any of the parties in dispute were still dissatisfied at this stage irrespective of the numerous meetings, the council of elders had to resort to one of the following techniques of justice administration.
They would administer an oath. The warring parties would be given bones of donkey or sometimes that of a hyena that is mixed with some ash and soaked leaves of a thorn like plant that grew in the region to sip. The mixture could at times be sprinkled over the disputed item especially land.After this revered elders in the society would be invited to pronounce a curse to whoever refused to divulge the truth. This method was feared by community members since it not only affected the particular victim but also his lineage.
Alternatively, the special elders could curse the victim in the following way. He would come fourth and utter the crime committed continuously as he blows his bamboo pipe; pleading with the community ancestors to a shame the person by unleashing a grave punishment on him. The results of such ritual were always visible and almost immediate. It could manifest itself by swellings in the offender’s entire body or private parts.
The consequences of the discussed methods were indeed grave and could only be reversed through a very strict procedure. The offender would be compelled to seek for forgiveness. He would also plead with the elders to ask for forgiveness from the offended person. The council of elders would then convene a special community gathering where they would also request the community ancestors to forgive the offender.
Appendix A
Interview questions
1. What was the economic activity of the Pokot community? What foods did they eat?
2. How many children are you in your family?
3. What is the hierarchy of power in the family set up?
4. Were there different gender roles in the Pokot community? What are some of the roles?
5. What are some of the major rites of passage among the community members and how were they celebrated?
6. How was discipline ensured among the youth in the community?
7. Briefly explain how marriage arrangements were made in the Pokot community? How did they deal with issues of sexuality?
8. What is the concept of medicine among the Pokot community?
9. Was there an administrative structure in Pokot? Briefly explain?
10. Briefly explain the process of justice administration in the Pokot community?
11. What would be done if the parties to a conflict refused the verdict of the council of elders?
12. Did the Pokot have art?
Appendix B
Responses to interview questions.
1. What was the economic activity of the Pokot community? What foods did they eat?
We are predominantly pastoralists’. The area is semi arid and agricultural produce can hardly do well. However, through barter trade with neighboring communities such as the Samburu and the Marakwet, we would get other basic necessities like sorghum and finger millet. However, we mainly ate meat and drank milk and blood. We also ate butter and cheese.
2. How many children are you in your family?
In my family we are 23 in number. Ten from my mother’s house and the rest from my other mothers since my father was a polygamist with three wives. Polygamy was allowed in our culture. The only condition was that the man had to provide equally to all the wives.
3. What was the hierarchy of power in the family set up among the Pokot?
Our community is largely patriarchal in nature. The father as the head of the family exercises a lot of powers. He is not only the owner of family property but also the administrator of family rights. The eldest son assumed these roles particularly when the father was dead or not around.
4. Did the Pokot have different gender roles? What are some of the roles?
Young uncircumcised men between the ages of ten to twenty five formed part of the communities standing military of warriors who were charged with the responsibility of protecting communal properties. The reason why the community had warriors was because the young men had to use any means possible to acquire livestock for paying dowry.
They also protected the community from the frequent cattle rustling from neighboring communities. The boys were introduced to cattle grazing at a tender age of about five. They had to make sure that the animals had access to both water and pasture. However, the girls ensured that all the family members were fed. They also fetched water which is scarce and firewood.
Women were also engaged in basket weaving, milking cows, leather, pot, and guard making. On the other hand, men specialized in beehive making and blacksmithing for mainly spears and knifes.
5. What are some of the major rites of passage among the community members and how were they celebrated?
Circumcision for both males and females was mandatory. The ritual had educational, moral and social functions in the society. The initiation was meant to prepare the initiates for future community roles. It was believed that the removal of the fore skin for males and clitoridectomy for females changed one from childhood into adulthood.
The initiation was also used to rank the society members into age-sets. The community had seven age-sets in general and each age set had varying levels of authority in the society. The oldest had most authority while the youngest had the least. The initiation age among the Pokot ranged between ten to twenty five years.
After the rite of passage had been performed, the initiates were isolated in the forest for a period of about one and a half months as their wounds heal. During this seclusion period the initiates are taught societal norms and values of the community. They are also educated on issues related to bringing up a family, discipline and respect for the elderly. The initiation ceremony finally climaxes when the initiates are admitted back into the society with a feasting festival.
6. How was discipline ensured among the youth in the community? Did the extended family have a role?
Elders were permitted to discipline any child in the society who was unruly or misbehaving without question. Similarly, if the head of the family unit was unable to resolve a conflict in his homestead, the elders from the extended family were invited to arbitrate
7. Briefly explain how marriage arrangements were made in the Pokot community? How did they deal with issues of sexuality?
The choice of a husband or a wife was the responsibility of the parents and or the elders. Even in circumstances where the would be partners meet alone; parents and the elders would finally come in to make marriage arrangements
If a marriage relationship was agreed by the two sides, negotiations for the bride price followed. After this, the elders from both sides made a covenant to strengthen the marriage bond. The oath was meant to ensure stability of the new family since the couples would take it seriously. Marriage conflict would be brought before the marriage witnesses for arbitration.
However, Pregnancy and sex before marriage was not allowed and any man who engaged in sexual act and impregnated a lady was forced by the elders to marry her. If it was realized that a child was born between relatives, the child was supposed to be murdered. It was believed that if the new born child was not killed, misfortune would come.
8. What is the concept of medicine among the Pokot community?
The Pokot had knowledge of herbal medicine especially the elderly. However, women specialized in midwifery. They also believed in diviners. These were the most revered elders in the society since it was believed they had close associations with the ancestors of the community. They could also prophesy what might befall or negatively affect the community in future. They would therefore caution the society if there is an impending calamity or take suitable action to reverse it altogether.
9. Was there an administrative structure in Pokot? Briefly explain?
There were council of elders at each village in the community. The council of elders had the responsibility of dispute resolution between individuals in the society or even between family members. They settled disputes such as disagreements over land, theft and even fights. The council therefore acted like a community court. Here, communal squabbles and disagreements would be deliberated upon then proper action taken. In fulfilling their roles of justice administration, the council of elders were guided by societal norms and traditional practices.
10. Briefly explain the process of justice administration in the Pokot community?
If one felt that he had been wronged by another member of the community, he or she was expected to report to the leader of the council of elders or otherwise known in the local language as Kiptayan. He would then summon both the offender and the offended plus members of their families to their informal court. The council of elders would then hear from the two sides and as judges make a decision. Usually, the plaintiff, the defendant and their respective family members would be the witnesses.
If the convicted person is not satisfied with the verdict, he or she had two alternatives. The person would be asked to take a short break and consult with members of his age set. These people would grill him to either tell the reality or accept the punishment. The council of elders would in the meantime consult on the way forward. Upon the return of the convict to the court, one person in the age set who accompanied him is given a chance to say what they agreed. If they agreed to the charges all members of the age set contributed something small as crime was considered communal.
However, if no agreement was reached, a larger meeting that would involve the council of elders from other neighboring villages, more relatives and friends would also be invited to meet on an agreed date. This stage also involved the invitation of both paternal and maternal uncles so that the council would not be to blame in their final verdict. The community members respected the courts since they had a reputation in efficient justice administration.
11. What would be done if the parties to a conflict refused the verdict of the council of elders?
The elders would resort to any of the following techniques of justice administration.
They would administer an oath. The warring parties would be given bones of donkey or sometimes that of a hyena that is mixed with some ash and soaked leaves of a thorn like plant that grew in the region to sip. The mixture could at times be sprinkled over the disputed item especially land. After this revered elders in the society would be invited to pronounce a curse to whoever refused to divulge the truth. This method was feared by community members since it not only affected the particular victim but also his lineage.
Alternatively, the elders could curse the victim in the following way. He would come fourth and utter the crime committed continuously as he blows his bamboo pipe; pleading with the community ancestors to a shame the person by unleashing a grave punishment on him. The results of such ritual were always visible and almost immediate. It could manifest itself by swellings in the offender’s entire body or private parts.
The consequences of the discussed methods were indeed grave and could only be reversed through a very strict procedure. The offender would be compelled to seek for forgiveness. He would also plead with the elders to ask for forgiveness from the offended person. The council of elders would then convene a special community gathering where they would also request the community ancestors to forgive the offender.
12. Did the Pokot have art?
The pokot loved arts that range from story telling to songs. They also liked decorative especially bodily ornamentation. The ornaments included beads. Songs were particularly sung during ceremonies such as beer parties.
