Basinde in Bukusu traditional circumcision are the initiates, the stars of the show. Get behind the experience of facing the knife (lukembe), as told in our stories and culture
A narration and the symbolic meaning of the Bukusu traditional circumcision tradition khukhombia kumukango. An experience designed to stir the lion within. Senje hides herself a few meters from the etiang’i in the path of the initiate. Etiang’i is the pot into which the initiate pours water that they have fetched from the river, early […]
The Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony that takes place every even year, is the most attended event in Western Kenya’s rich cultural tourism experience. Whilst most local and foreign visitors get to experience, participate and lose themselves in ‘above board’ events like dancing through the streets with basinde during khuminya or changa style dance, few get
Were you circumcised in the traditional way? This is a common, albeit rude, question that Gents face whenever they identify themselves as Bukusu. So popular is the Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony that it is sure to dominate conversations. If for one reason or another your knowledge on your peoples ways isn’t up to scratch, that’s
We learn all that pertains khuminya; a rite that’s central to Luhya traditional circumcision ceremony through the lens of my childhood adventures. Back when we were growing up, life in the village was sweet to the bone. Especially come every August of even years. The arrival of this special 8th month ushered the circumcision year
