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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The concept of heroism in Samburu moran ethos
Author:Wasamba, PeterISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:Journal of African Cultural Studies
Volume:21
Issue:2
Pages:145-158
Language:English
Geographic term:Kenya
Subjects:Samburu
heroes
warriors
oral traditions
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13696810903259343
Abstract:This paper examines the concept of heroism as addressed in moran narratives of the Samburu people of Kenya. It is based on oral narratives collected between October 2004 and February 2007 in the Kisima and Kirisia Divisions of Samburu District. The paper interrogates the institution of moran as reflected in these narratives and shows that it refers to a heroic age group of young men who are proud, courageous, war-like and heir to the Samburu tradition, to warrior-hood upon circumcision. The author argues that the title of moran is a metaphor for heroism due to the military and aesthetic exploits morans are famed for. He further contends that though threatened with modernity, moranism is still a coveted institution among the Samburu that promotes comradeship, self-esteem, courage, strength, perseverance, self-sacrifice and adventurism in young men. Finally, he argues that, in spite of the challenges it is facing, moranism still remains the foundation on which the pride of the Samburu community is grounded. Young boys are looking forward to the day they will join the prestigious club of morans. Though traditional moranism celebrates war-like activities, the roles are changing because of modernization. The future of moranism among the Samburu, therefore, lies in maintaining a delicate balance between cultural pragmatism and nostalgic attachment to the heroic past. Herein lies the changing concept of heroism in Samburu folklore. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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