East Pokot District Collection

A Pokot man wearing typical beaded ornaments of his tribe. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language. Kenya

Two young Pokot girls wearing traditional ornaments that denote their unmarried status. Their broad belts are made with the metacarpus and metatarsal bones of dikdiks interspersed with beads. Kenya

A Pokot warrior wearing a cheetah skin jumps high in the air surrounded by young women to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

For two to three months after their circumcision, Pokot boys sing and dance in a special seclusion camp while undergoing instruction from tribal elders

Towards the conclusion of a Ngetunogh ceremony, an initiate must put on his mothers jewellery for a day before removing the wild sisal face mask he has worn for 2-3 months

During a Ngetunogh ceremony, the mother of a Pokot initiate sings and dances holding high the cowhorn container she used to smear fat over the masks of her son and other boys as a blessing

At the start of a Ngetunogh ceremony, the mothers of Pokot initiates will smear animal fat on the boys masks as a blessing

During a Ngetunogh ceremony, the mothers of Pokot initiates sing and dance holding high the cowhorn containers they used to smear fat over the masks of their sons as a blessing

After 2-3 months seclusion, Pokot initiates leave their camp in single file to celebrate Ngetunogh. They must wear goatskins

The Pokot have a small ceremony called Koyogho when a man pays his in-laws the balance of the agreed dowry for his wife. This may take place many years after he marries her

A young Pokot warrior with large round earrings. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

A striking old Pokot woman wearing the traditional beaded ornaments of her tribe which denote her married status. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

A Pokot child wrapped in a goatskin in his mothers arms. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

A Pokot woman wearing the traditional beaded ornaments of her tribe which denote her married status. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

The ornaments of a Pokot warrior including a ring of goat skin which would have been slaughtered for a ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Pokot men, women and girls dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

A Pokot woman in traditional attire with patterned cicatrices on her back attends an Atelo ceremony. Her broad belt is made with the metacarpus and metatarsal bones of dikdiks interspersed with beads

Pokot women and girls dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

A Pokot woman in traditional attire dances to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. Her broad belt is made with the metacarpus and metatarsal bones of dikdiks interspersed with beads

Pokot men and women dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

An old Pokot woman dancing during an Atelo ceremony. The cow horn container usually contains animal fat

A Pokot warrior wearing a leopard skin cape celebrates an Atelo ceremony, spear in hand. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Pokot warriors celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Jovial Pokot women celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Pokot women wearing traditional beaded ornaments and brass earrings denoting their married status. celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

A Pokot warrior wearing a leopard skin jumps high in the air surrounded by women to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

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"Exploring the Vibrant Traditions of East Pokot District" Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of East Pokot District, where the Pokot tribe thrives as pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language. Witness their captivating ceremonies and adornments that symbolize their unique way of life. Intricately beaded ornaments are proudly worn by Pokot men, showcasing their tribal identity. These remarkable accessories reflect their deep connection to tradition and serve as a testament to their ancestral roots. During the exhilarating Atelo ceremony, a Pokot warrior leaps gracefully into the air, surrounded by jubilant young women. This joyous celebration marks an important milestone in his life and highlights the unity within the community. A young Pokot girl dons a traditional broad necklace made from hollow reed grass, signifying her uninitiated status. This emblematic piece distinguishes her among her peers while honoring age-old customs passed down through generations. Unmarried young girls proudly display traditional ornaments that signify their singlehood. These vibrant symbols not only showcase beauty but also represent purity and readiness for future commitments. Pokot boys undergo rigorous instruction from tribal elders during a special seclusion camp after circumcision. Adorned in goatskins and masked with wild sisal face masks, they sing and dance passionately for two to three months – an essential rite of passage into adulthood. The Ngetunogh ceremony concludes with initiates wearing their mothers' jewelry for a day before removing their wild sisal masks worn throughout seclusion, and is an emotional moment filled with pride as these young individuals embrace newfound responsibilities within society. Mothers play an integral role during Ngetunogh ceremonies; singing and dancing while holding high cowhorn containers used to smear fat over masks – bestowing blessings upon their sons and other boys undergoing initiation rites.