The Untold Folklore Stories of the Bukusu Women of Western Kenya: A Vanishing Cultural Heritage

The Untold Folklore Stories of the Bukusu Women of Western Kenya: A Vanishing Cultural Heritage is about the traditional and cultural life of a Bukusu woman. This work provides a synopsis of the Bukusu traditions, customs, beliefs and practices from the perspective of a woman in the light of cultural syncretism. As is the case in most Kenyan communities, the traditional culture is under heavy pressure. Development, modernization and Christianity have a strong impact on most parts of traditional life. However, as it is with the Bukusu of Southwestern Kenya, quite a number of traditional customs have been maintained, some with adaptation. It can be argued that the Bukusu culture has also undergone some aspects of syncretism in the sense that some of the traditional practices are slowly being replaced by the new western culture. This notwithstanding, this book documents most of the Bukusu traditions, customs and taboos in regard to the life of a Bukusu woman. The symbolism in the traditions and customs is used to provide an insight into how the Bukusu people conceptualize the life of the woman in view of the norms, values and culture specifically, marital dyad, morality, and rituals, are all implicated in the manner in which the woman is perceived in the Bukusu society. The seasons of life in regard to women has not been captured in many cultures in Africa and in particular in Kenya. It is arguable that most women still live in the armpits of the men and little is known about their life apart from the norm of domesticity.