Ritual Change Among the Nandi: a Study of Change in Life - Crisis Rituals1923-1973

Abstract

1. I note-the change, resulting in conflict between traditional and modern, which I observed when working among the Nandi from 1966-8. 2. The Nandi subdivision of the Kalenjin are a Paranilotic people who have lived in the highlands of western Kenya for about one thousand years. During the nineteenth century they successfully withstood aggression from Maasai vTarriors and Arab traders but shortly after the turn of the century found themselves in subjection to British expeditionary forces sent for their chastisement. The¥ did not, however, submit easily or accept change readily. 3. At first, Christian missions failed to gain a footing in Nandi. It was only when individuals converted outside the District returned to preach to their own people that Christianity began to take root. Cultural conflict ensued, particularly concerning clitoridectomy. 4. The Nandi rites of initiation, marriage and divorce are rites de passage in Van Gennep's classic sense, each possessing three phases: separation, transition and incorporation. S. I describe the male initiation ritual and epumerate changes which have affected it, particularly the breakdown of the age-set system and the differentiation of method employed in carrying out the operation. 6. I describe the female initiation ritual and enumerate the major changes which have been effected, particularly the shortening of the period of seclusion and the enhancing of the rite's social prestige in its modern setting. ii 7. I describe the institution and ritual of marriage, noting changes in the areas of promiscuity, prostitution, polygamy, monogamy, fertility, exogamy, the family, and bridewealth. 8. I describe the traditional divorce ritual and note its replacement b,y other rites of seParation. 9. I interpret the ritual symbolism, paying attention to its employment of symbols of passage, pastoral economy, social structure and religion. 10. I analyse the ritual change, examining six dominant symbols. I find that they persist, develop or become extinct in direct relation to the amount of conflict existing between culture and social system