Hefty dowry, meat necklace, and destroying bride’s hut: Inside a Turkana wedding
A Turkana traditional wedding is an expression of unity and commitment, where a man establishes his role as head of his family through the offering of a significant dowry. This dowry typically includes hundreds of goats, sheep, camels, cows, donkeys, and even a sack of tobacco, symbolising the groom’s readiness to provide for his new family.
Once the dowry is paid, the wedding ceremony, known in Turkana tradition as Emong, is solemnized by slaughtering a bull or camel. The meat is shared with the in-laws, who perform final rituals to formalize the union. A symbolic ring is placed around the bride’s neck, with thin strips of meat tied around the necklace. This ritual is also repeated for all family members; if the couple already has children, it signifies that the wife and children now belong to the husband. If these rituals are not observed, any children from the union are considered to belong to the bride’s uncles and aunts, who then retain traditional rights to any dowry received for those children’s future marriages.
Thomas Amoni, who recently wed Anna Amoni in Elelea, Turkana East, explains that this ceremony finalizes their marriage, making all their future children part of his lineage in the eyes of the Turkana community.
The commitment is deepened by a sacred oath.
“I have taken a lifetime vow to remain with my family until death,” Mr Amoni says.
Simon Maraka adds that the piece of meat tied around each family member’s neck seals the approval of the in-laws. This is followed by the symbolic destruction of the bride’s childhood hut, signifying her transition from her parents’ homestead to a new life with her newly-wed husband.
The Turkana traditional wedding ceremony typically takes place in the bride’s homestead
The entire wedding ceremony is vibrant with dancing, feasting, and the sharing of meat from the dowry animals, marking each family member’s role in the union and celebrating the joyful formation of a new household.
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