eLimu | The clan system

Clan formation
Functions of a Clan

Clan formation by Grace Githongori

What is a clan?

A clan is a group of people with a common ancestor (founding father).

Study this drawing and discuss it in your groups. It illustrates a clan.

Clanism is an important aspect in almost all traditional African societies.

Clan members are related by blood.

Most clans in the traditional communities were founded by males, but the Kikuyu clans were founded by women.

THE 17 NANDI CLANS

From Elgon & Lumbwa (Kipsigis)

Kipoiis

Kipamwi

Kipkenda

Kipiegen

From Lumbwa (Kipsigis)

Tungo

Kipaa

Kipasiso and Kapchemuri (Chemuri)

Elgoni (Kony)

•From Elgon

Kipkokos

From Elgon & Elgeyo

Kipsirgio

Moi

Sokom

Kiptopkei

Kamwaikei

From Lo-'sekelae Masai

Kipkoiitim (also partly from Elgon)

Talai, the medicine men's clan (partly also from Kamasya)

Toyoi

Kikuyu clans were founded by the 9 daughters of Gikuyu and Mumbi

Gikuyu and his wife Mumbi and their 9 daughters

When relatives ( cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, grandparents and great grandparents plus their offspring) come together they form a clan.

Members of a clan

Clans are sustained by naming of children after the living dead and the ancestors.

Naming ceremonies

Each clan had a council of elders

AGIKUYU ELDERS

AGIRIAMA ELDERS

QUESTIONS

1.What is a clan?

2.Clan members are related through………..?

3.Who founded most clans; male or female?

4.Gikuyu and Mumbi had….. daughters?

5.The Nandi have how many clans?

6.How are the clans sustained?

ANSWERS

1.A clan is a group of people with a common ancestor.

2.Clan members are related through blood.

3.Most clans were founded by the male.

4.Gikuyu and Mumbi had 9 daughters.

5.The Nandi had 17 clans.

6.Clans are sustained by naming of children after the living dead and the ancestors.