Kikuyu traditional wedding — Antony Trivet Photography
Kikuyu
The traditional marriage for this ethnic group in Kenya involves a feast called ruracio, where the groom and his family bring the dowry at the bride’s home.
On arrival the groom’s family will find the gate closed, signifying that they must sing their way in. The bride and her female relatives welcome them amidst songs and dances.
When they settle down, the bride is taken away by her female relatives and in-laws, where she is offered advice.
The groom plants a branch of tree to symbolize that the woman has been booked. He then starts the payment process with his parents and elders to the family of the bride.
The bride often wears a brown or maroon fabric with cowrie shells or 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.
