Research source

The only elder who was actually given any part was the medicine man who had been previously consulted as to the…

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 127
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

The only elder who was actually given any part was the medicine man who had been previously consulted as to the success of the raid

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

The only elder who was actually given any part was the medicine man who had been previously consulted as to the success of the raid. When a raid was arranged, the warriors were collected from everywhere, but no one was forced to join. Special distinction was attained by those who had killed a Masai. Such a man was called mundu wa rohiu, man of the sword; the shield and spear of the Masai he would give to his uncle, from whom, in turn, he received a goat or two; he would also go round to all his relations, who would give him small presents, but to prove his deed he had to bring back the sword of the slain Masai, otherwise he was not believed.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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