| dc.description.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 | en |
