Manyatta, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. 2009 II by Damienne Bingham
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. 2009
Canon EOS 400D
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 400
RAW
The manyatta is the traditional dwelling of the tribal peoples of Kenya (Masai, Samburu, Kikuyu.) The manyatta is similar to the western “corral” or “kraal” in Afrikaans. It consists of several huts surrounded by thorn bush branches which act as a fence – keeping their livestock in and predatory animals out.
The huts are generally made by the women of the tribe and consist of a frame of tree branches pasted with animal dung (cow, elephant, whatever is available) which then dries hard in the sun. The huts are partitioned into small rooms, usually 2-4 sleeping areas around a larger central living/cooking room.
See the entire collection
views as of 26.08.11: 567
Top Ten
“Features 9/26/10 Challenge” at Story through Image
“Landscape format of a person Challenge” at ≈ The Weekend Photographer ≈
“The Haves and the Have Nots Challenge” at Zeitgeist
Featured
#1 Artists of RedBubble
Story through Image
Core [C.O.R.E]
HOSTING TUTORIAL CLASS
The World As We See It
Wall of the World
It’s What Moves Me
The GROUP
Architecture and Street Art
Children Come 1st
Comments
Sadly this awesome work of art is a true account of living for millions of children today, fantastic capture my dear!
Thank you, and true – but I do have to say, these children were happy, and they weren’t poverty stricken (at least not in the sense of going hungry, malnutrition etc.) and they had a school nearby so they had access to education.
It’s important to remember that there is merit in preserving cultural traditions and history. It was interesting speaking to our guide who was Samburu – he lived in Nairobi while he was working and wore western clothes etc. But when he went home, he went home to something like this. It’s a fine balance.
– Damienne Bingham
Thanks so much Damienne for your fantastic explanation.. once again many congratulations!
My pleasure, and thank you!
– Damienne Bingham
Nice work Damienne. I visited a small village in Botswana last month and this image transports me back. Not desperately poor, but a loaf of fresh bread baked by somebody else is a rare treat. And they were lovely happy people who sang to themselves as they went about their day. The children made their own toys from wire and wood and danced to any sound with a regular beat. A genuine “what is life really about?” moment
That sounds wonderful. You’re right, it reminds you for the need to “simplify” in life – don’t sweat the small stuff! There is a wonderful sense of family and community amongst the people of Africa – it’s beautiful to see!
I think actually the towns of Botswana (and Kenya for that matter) were even harsher than the “country” sections. It seemed a very hard life in comparison to these people!
Thanks for taking the time to look and for your interesting comment!
– Damienne Bingham
Beautiful and socially significant art!!! Very strong impact…bravo!!!
Thank you very much!
– Damienne Bingham
quite different from Brisbane.
Only a small cultural divide!
– Damienne Bingham
A sad story about this tribe but a wonderful shot Damienne.
Thanks Ralph, I’m really glad you like it! It is certainly a very hard way to live.
– Damienne Bingham
Many congratualtions on your many features with this very telling image – I think your write up and comments are balanced and very informative – great capture
That’s a lovely comment, thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it all!
– Damienne Bingham
congratulations for your feature in the HOSTING TUTORIAL CLASS group !!!
my best, francis.
Thanks Francis!
– Damienne Bingham
Such a beautiful image a place i have yet to travel to and enjoy there culture with a smile.
Thank you very much
– Damienne Bingham
Amazing capture!! must of been incredible to experience Kenya!
Thanks Tatum, I’m glad you like it! Kenya really was an amazing experience, I would definitely recommend it at least once in a lifetime!
– Damienne Bingham