Research source

(59) If a parent goes on a journey and, during his absence, one of his or her sons cohabits with one of his…

Date of account: Published 1922
Source: Bantu Beliefs and Magic With particular reference to the Kikuyu and Kamba tribes of Kenya Colony; together with some reflections on East Africa after the war
Reference: Bantu Beliefs and Magic With particular reference to the Kikuyu and Kamba tribes of Kenya Colony; together with some reflections on East Africa after the war · selected passage 56
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

(59) If a parent goes on a journey and, during his absence, one of his or her sons cohabits with one of his father’s wives, the parents are thahu, and upon his return will be seized with illness

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

(59) If a parent goes on a journey and, during his absence, one of his or her sons cohabits with one of his father’s wives, the parents are thahu, and upon his return will be seized with illness. This is a case for the medicine man, who has to be called in to perform a lustration ceremony to purify them; the offending son is not affected. Sprigs of the mahoroa, muchatha, and mitei bushes are bound up together and dipped in water, and the water is sprinkled over the couple, a little being also sprinkled at the gate of the village. This only applies to those circumcised Kikuyu fashion. It is curious to note that practically the same custom is observed by the A-Kamba.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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