By Laurine Jepchirchir
Members of the Nandi community cherish myriad cultural practices that for years have kept them unique from other ethnic groups in Kenya.
Ear piercing is among the practices that was highly regarded and practiced by both men and women in the community, as it was seen as a symbol of elegance and beauty.
Sokom, one of the Nandi elders, says that ear piercing was significant. “Just like how the current generation pierces their ears, the same was done long ago, for both men and women,” Sokom said.
Mary Sugoi, one of those who took part in ear piercing said unique tools were used to pierce the ears.
She said metal-like nails were burnt at the edge used to pierce the ears, after which a stick would be inserted and rounded in a way that would expand the ear lobes.
The practice, she said, was done to young adults, from the age of 15, for both boys and girls. She regretted that the culture is no longer embraced due to several factors, including the embrace of Christianity.
“When Christianity was introduced, people were baptized and those who had pierced their ears sealed them and those who were planning to, changed their minds. This is because Christianity condemns the piercing of our bodies,” Sugoi stated.
The culture, Sugo said, is on its deathbed.
However, Joyce Sing’oei, an officer in the department of tourism and culture at the county government of Nandi explains that the county and the national government are on the forefront of empowering women to embrace the culture that is now facing extinction.
“We want to embrace the use of beads as a commemoration of ear piercing. I think this will help bring back that culture that was embraced by our forefathers,” she noted.
Cultural practices such as this were respected for years and was also a symbol of peace and prosperities for communities as it brought people from all walks of life together.