Describe the social organization of the Agikuyu in the 19th century.
Answer:
- Family was the basic social unit headed by a father, marriage was highly respected exogamous and polygamous.
- Several families with the same ancestry formed the clan(mbari).
- The Agikuyu circumcised both girls and boys at puberty as a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood.
- The initiates joined age sets (Riika) where they were taught values and customs of the community and how to be responsible At this level they were considered mature to marry.
- They believed in one god called all-powerful and controller of life.
- They worshipped in designated sacred areas e.g. under a mugumo tree.
- They believed in ancestral spirits who were the mediators between god and them. They were honored by pouring libations to them.
- They had special people like diviners, medicine people (Andu ago) and prophets.