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Bantu Beliefs and Magic: An Annotated...

KShs3,000.00

Bantu Beliefs and Magic is a remarkable exploration of the spiritual,cultural, and political traditions of the Agikuyu (Kikuyu) and Akamba peoples of Kenya. Written by C. W. Hobley in 1922, the book preserves a detailed record of indigenous life during a period of profound change under colonial rule. Drawing from years of research and conversations with elders, Hobley examines beliefs about God, ancestral spirits, sacred places, sacrifice, initiation rites, harvest ceremonies, and the customs that guided community life. These traditions reveal a rich worldview in which the spiritual and physical worlds were deeply connected.

The book also explores the role of magic, divination, healers, blacksmiths, curses, and protective rituals. Far from being isolated practices, these beliefs influenced social order, justice, health, and everyday decision-making within the community. Beyond religion and magic, Hobley documents systems of governance, councils of elders, customary law, age-set organizations, warfare, folklore, dances, and the influential role of women. His observations reveal societies with complex institutions and well-established methods of leadership and conflict resolution. Part anthropology, part history, and partcolonial-era record, Bantu Beliefs and Magic offers readers a rare window into precolonial East African life. It remains an important resource for anyone interested in African heritage, traditional belief systems, and the history of Kenya's indigenous communities.

Enono Ya Busoga- Family Unit: A Compl...

KShs2,000.00
This book portrays Busoga as a unique society with distinct values and norms that have made Busoga an organized, stable, united and enjoyable community. It is these values that every Musoga should espouse and be proud of. The values researched on [okusangalira baino], Leadership [obukulembeze], Justice include hospitality [obwenkania], Goodness [obulungi], Unity [okwisania], Hardwork [okwekemba okukola emirimu], Faith [okwikiriza], Respect [Akanhagansi / ekitiibwa/ ekitiisa], Marriage and family, [obufumbo na maka], kinship [oluzi], Parenting [okulera nokukuza abaana], Gratefulness [okusiima nokwebaza], Integrity [obwesimbu] and being Humane [obuntubulamu]. This is a mirror to the fact that the modern Musoga has a lot to learn from the old past. When these values are well nurtured and put to proper use they build a value laden society that can develop and prosper. The many pictures and illustrations used make reading easy and give one a glimpse of our rich heritage of tools and equipment that were in use then. This book is an eye opener to how our grandparents survived in hostile environments and conditions amidst many life challenges. It is a wealth of innovation and lived realities. This is a narrative of the Kisoga Culture as told at the fire place. It is a conservation, preservation and presentation of a living culture that has propelled the Great Basoga through ages. It is a bridge, from the old folklore story telling through word of mouth, to modern written transmission of knowledge and information. It facilitates upcoming generations discover their old rich past. The family is presented as the core centre "enono" and nexus of society, whose composition and functions could be revived, copied and promoted for stability and development of our mother country. It gives Busoga's geographical location and the features that give it its identity namely language, names, clans and leadership structure with ObwaKyabazinga at the helm. The characteristic homestead structure, its composition and functions are a unique basis for identity and distinction from other cultures.