Images of Environment in Kipsigis ‘tumdo’ Songs

Abstract

The study set out to identify and analyse images of the environment in selected Kipsigis tumdo songs, identify environmental issues raised through these images, and finally discuss philosophy of the Kipsigis people as espoused in the songs. This study used content analysis, and ethno methodology. Ethno methodological approach was used to interview tumdo participants as well as tumdo graduates on their view of the images contained in the songs and their general outlook.Tabulation method was used to analyse important aspects of tumdo songs relevant to the study while the structured interview guide was applied in interviewing the chosen community contacts. After the recordings, transcription and close analysis of tumdo songs was done. I then proceeded to translate the songs to English language and went through the songs to identify images of environment. The study was guided by three theoretical approaches. The functionalism theory; as a way of explaining the utilitarian value of the Kipsigis tumdo songs under study, ethno poetics; which assisted me to transcribe and translate the tumdo songs as well as eco criticism; which led to the identification of images of environment in the selected songs. The findings of this study indicate that; plants, animals, as well as topographical features project images that point out the community’s view of these environmental features. Instructively, Kipsigis tumdo songs communicate social issues through the use of images of environment. The philosophical issues raised includes; courage and truth, morality,