Kikuyu traditional wedding — Antony Trivet Photography
Kikuyu
The traditional wedding for this ethnic group in Kenya is known as Ngurario, which follows the bride paying ceremony called ruracio. In the past, the bride’s wedding attire was made from goatskin and decorated with cowrie shells. Currently, the goatskin has been replaced by a brown or maroon fabric but the cowrie shells have been maintained.
The bride also wears nyori, a headband with huge hoop earrings that settle on the top of her ears as well as mido, earrings in the holes of her earlobe.
The groom would wear a headgear made of sheepskin, a maroon or brown fabric across his chest. He would also accessorize with a beaded necklace, a necklace made from cowrie shell, a flywhisk and sheathed blade.
Other brides prefer to wear Ankara or Kitenge attires for a more stylish appearance.
