Samburu [Paperback]

Nigel Pavitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2001

Samburuland, in Kenya, is the home of a race of proud, tough, semi-nomadic pastoralists. The Samburu continue to withstand efforts to impose an alien culture and to live as they always have. This is an acclaimed visual record of the Samburu.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Akin to the renowned Masai of Kenya, the Samburu are still living a primitive life steeped deep in tradition. But according to Pavitt, they are on the brink of much change, as the children attend school, as the adolescents grow impatient with some of the more restrictive traditions, and as the elders, keepers of the tradition, die. This book could be the last detailed log of the last of the unchanged tribes of Kenya. And detailed it is. Chapters dealing with the family, initiation (circumcision), Lmuget ceremonies (changes in status), Moranhood (warrior status), girls and marriage, and the elders are thorough and engrossing. Pavitt has the trust and friendship of many Samburu, which has allowed him unusual photographic access to their customs and ceremonies. The photographs are outstanding technically, with brilliant color. The many facial close-ups are engaging. Recommended for anthropology, photography, and Africa collections.
- Nancy Moeckel, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, Ohio
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Just north of the equator, where the Great Rift Valley provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Kenya, lies an inhospitable land that is home to the proud, semi–nomadic Samburu tribe. Their culture revolves around cattle, which give a man status in the community and allow him to procure a wife from a good family. Like their more famous relatives, the Maasai, the Samburu have withstood efforts to impose an alien culture upon them and continue to live as they always have done. When Samburu was first published over a decade ago, Wilfred Thesiger wrote: “No other book about the Samburu…combines meticulous…accounts of fascinating customs and ceremonies with such exceptional illustrations.” Nigel Pavitt’s books include Turkana, Kenya: The First Explorers, and Africa’s Great Rift Valley.

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Kyle Cathie (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856264297
• ISBN-13: 978-1856264297
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,932,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Samburu, February 4, 2002

By 

Steiner (Switzerland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samburu (Paperback)

Beautiful and astonishing photos - gives a real insight in the life of the Samburu people. Excellent and interesting way of telling about daily life of the Samburu. Explains details and makes you part of their life, looking for more information. Go for it - you won't regret!