History of Kenya
Mrs.
Nardi's 9th Grade World History Class
Lenox Memorial High School, Lenox, Massachusetts
Questions to Consider
Early Kikuyu
1.How do their founding myths resemble Western traditions?
2. What is the Kikuyu Garden of Eden called?
3. From your reading, do you think the Kikuyu were a war-like group or more peaceful?
4. What system developed due to the geographic features around Mt. Kirinyaga?
5. How mythical is the Muhurue wa Gathanga?
6. In what two ways did a man acquire land in Kikuyu society?
7. What made it easy to acquire land in Kikuyuland?
8. What is the role of the mother to her son or sons with regard to land?
9. Who developed trade networks in Kikuyu society?
10. Why did Kikuyu women evolve as traders instead of men?
Socio-Religious Traditions
11. How did the Kikuyu method of land distribution lead to a "communal" sharing of wealth?
12. What are the Kikuyu family units called?
13. Who is the muramati?
14. How did the Kikuyu keep track of generational periods?
15. Why was the iriika the "lynchpin" in Kikuyu society?
16. How is the elder council connected to the mariika and the mbari?
17. What are some of the various councils responsibilities?
18. What gives a man political advantage in the Kikuyu society?
19. How does bride-price differ from a dowry?
20. What does bride-price imply as an institution? Dowry?
21. Explain some of the roles a magician plays in Kikuyu society?
22. When did the last mariika occur in Kikuyu society?
23. Why did this institution end?