Search
+
    The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    Kenya, Nepal, Mexico or Australia: Meet the natives of the world

    Synopsis

    Walk into the world of nomadic, indigenous and instinctive.

    UNIQUE: Samburu are a sub tribe of the MaasaiAgencies
    UNIQUE: Samburu are a sub tribe of the Maasai
    Walk into the world of nomadic, indigenous and instinctive:

    MINGLE WITH THE AFRICAN NATIVES
    Region:
    Kenya

    In addition to one of the most amazing safari experience, Kenya also offers eclectic cultural experiences. Home to a total of 43 tribes, the ethnic groups are known for their unique history, culture, values, lifestyle, language, religion, food and more. Most visitors to Kenya can easily recall the Maasai tribe and their close kin, the Samburu people.

    Considered as the most authentic and accessible tribe in the region, the tribe is considered popular due to their long preserved Kenya culture.

    Despite education, civilization and western cultural influences, the Maasai people in Kenya have clung to their traditional way of life, making them a symbol of Kenyan culture. In addition to this, here’s taking a look at a few groups that rule the roost:

    Kikuyu:
    The Kikuyu Community, the biggest tribe, represents 22 per cent of the entire population, followed by Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin,Kamba and Kisii respectively.

    Many centres located on the outside of Nairobi work towards protecting and uplifting these tribes. The centers offer a unique experience of this tradition rich culture existing in a modern world.

    A dancer of the Kikuyu Tribe dressed in traditional fineryAgencies
    A dancer of the Kikuyu Tribe dressed in traditional finery

    You can plan a day excursion to learning more about the tribe, enjoy a guided tour of the Kikuyu village, Kikuyu traditional doctor cleansing ceremonies, Kikuyu traditional food and drinks tasting, Kikuyu traditional dances, a lecture on the Kikuyu tribe traditional lifestyle.

    Luo Tribe:
    The Luo are the third largest ethnic group in Kenya. A little away from Nairobi enroute Kisumu, lies the Lwanda Magere is the Luo warrior who was killed and turned into a stone.

    MERRIMENT: Dancers of the Luo tribe showcase a performanceAgencies
    MERRIMENT: Dancers of the Luo tribe showcase a performance

    You can also visit the Kit-Mikayi (stone of the first wife of the Luo tribe) in Seme to learn the history and the sacred attachment of this rock to the Luo tribe.

    Turkana:
    Towards the north eastern border of Kenya and Ethiopia, live the Turkana tribe.

    The tribe survives in one of the remotest and most inhospitable places on the planet.

    The women of Turkana tribe, the second largest group of nomads, never take their beads offAgencies
    The women of Turkana tribe, the second largest group of nomads, never take their beads off

    The noteworthy factor of the tribe is the beaded gear worn by the women.

    The tribal women never take off these beads unless they're ill or in mourning for a relative. It is said that the men of the tribe refuse to look at the women who do not wear beads.

    THE BEJEWELED TRIBE OF NEPAL
    Region:
    Nepal

    Raute, a nomadic indigenous ethnic group of Nepal, dwell in the forested areas of Jajarkot and Dang. They speak a Tibeto-Burman language called Khamchi but generally tend to converse in Nepali.

    The hunt for monkeys is an important part of Raute life, and their traditional hunting technique is intriguing. When a group of monkeys are spotted in the jungle, they spread out the nets on the ground under the trees. They make a loud sound to scare the monkeys, who leave from their hiding in the trees and get caught in the nets on the ground.

    GENDER ROLES: The Raute women are restricted to household chores and child rearingAgencies
    GENDER ROLES: The Raute women are restricted to household chores and child rearing

    The Raute are also adept at fashioning things out of wood. They use the wooden craft to barter with nearby villages for clothes and other items when needed.

    Traditionally, the Raute people are nomads and never stay in one place. Make-shift tents made from leaves and branches, with coloured fabrices added for protection, serve as habitat.

    In recent years, with forests slowly disappearing, the Raute people have begun to interact with other locals more and more.

    Weird but true
    There is the tradition that oldest male member of the nomadic Raute Tribe becomes king and takes decisions to run the community. This is common in many tribes thriving in adverse condition. The king appoints ministers and assigns them work.

    BE A PART OF THE FESTIVITIES AT THE GUELAGUETZA FESTIVAL
    Region:
    Mexico

    The state of Oaxaca, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most ethnically complex of Mexico’s thirty-one states.

    Oaxaca is one of the cities where all the historical periods of Mexico shine: pre-Hispanic, colonial, independent, modern, and contemporary are expressed with its natural elegance in every street, colonial building, museum, magical festival, colourful crafts, pre-Columbian ruins, and the many splendorous baroque churches that are to be found in every corner of the city.

    LOUD CHEER: The Guelaguetza is packed with impressive indigenous dance, culture and culinary celebrationAgencies
    LOUD CHEER: The Guelaguetza is packed with impressive indigenous dance, culture and culinary celebration

    The state is home to 16 different ethno-linguistic groups and is incredibly diverse. The Zapotec and the Mixtec are the two largest groups of Indians living here. Held in the month of July annually, the Guelaguetza Festival is a celebration that brings together many communities of Oaxaca to showcase the diversity of their traditions and cultures.

    The festival traces its roots back to the pre-Columbian traditions that have existed for millennium. One of the key features of the many cultural programs is a procession lead by women wearing traditional dress accompanied by baskets of flowers.

    Wow factor: The state of Oaxaca contains 18 indigenous groups who retain their languages and traditions

    A WARM TRADITIONAL WELCOME
    Region:
    Australia

    Avibrant, dynamic and stylish city, Brisbane offers unrivalled weather, a welcoming multi-cultural society and diverse cultural experiences.

    Brisbane’s indigenous heritage is woven into its local traditions, art, landscape and way of life. The city is a perfect destination for delegates wanting to sample quintessential Australian culture.

    PICNIC WITH FAMILY: Along with history, enjoy a day at the beaches of Great Barrier ReefAgencies
    PICNIC WITH FAMILY: Along with history, enjoy a day at the beaches of Great Barrier Reef

    Aboriginal culture is enshrined in the city’s historical art trails, exhibitions and place names.

    Brisbane’s suburbs still bearing intriguing Aboriginal names like Indooroopilly (gully of running water), Bellbowrie (place of the flowering gums), Coorparoo (a ground dove), Enoggera (corroboree place), Yeerongpilly (rain coming), Wooloowin (fish), Nudgee (green frog), Woolloongabba (whirling water) and Wynnum (breadfruit tree).

    The names itself showcase a glimpse into the evolution of Brisbane through its indigenous roots. Head to Kangaroo Point in Brisbane’s inner south, the natural bushlands are home to the Mirrabooka tribe. The Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers who offer an insight into their life and the history of the land.

    SALUTATION: The indigenous Mirrabooka tribe performing a traditional welcomeAgencies
    SALUTATION: The indigenous Mirrabooka tribe performing a traditional welcome

    Learn about the rich Aboriginal culture and its evolution over the years. It is fascinating to watch the locals go about their lives; watch them use primitive techniques; hear them play Aboriginal musical instruments (such as didgeridoos) and listen to Indigenous educational talks that offer an insight into Aboriginal life and history of this ancient land. Additionally, language workshops, art and craft workshops, traditional hunting demonstrations and gourmet food experience are some of the other experiences to try.

    Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
    ...more
    Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
    ...more
    Wealth edition
    The Economic Times

    Stories you might be interested in