A market on the boundary: the economic activities of the Pokot and the Marakwet in Kenya

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Book chapter

Title:	A market on the boundary: the economic activities of the Pokot and the Marakwet in Kenya
Author:	Kurita, Kazuaki
Book title:	A comparative study of ecological anthropology in tropical Africa
Year:	1982
Pages:	71-103
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	Marakwet Suk marketplaces
Abstract:	The market activities of three peoples - the pastoral Pokot, the agricultural Pokot, and the Marakwet - were observed at Chesegon Village, western Kenya. This village is located on the territorial boundary of the Pokot and the Marakwet, and sandwiched between mountains and dry plains. This location allows easy exchange of each people's particular products, because producers need only transport their goods short distance. It is not food staples but rather supplementary food, meat, and handicrafts that characterise the market. There is comparatively little external trade. The market is also significant as a place to obtain cash and to exchange information. The author presents the background of the market activities (the natural environment, modes of livelihood, intertribal relations, etc.), the market activities in relation to material culture and to the family budget, economic activities outside the monetary sphere, and discussed characteristics of the economic activities around Chesegon, the function of the market and shops, and the market's location. Fig., map, notes, photogr., ref., tab.