Facing Mount Kenya: The Tribal Life of the Gikuyu by Jomo Kenyatta - Summary & Study Guide

Summary & Study Guide Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu by Jomo Kenyatta

by David Butler

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	147 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Jomo Kenyatta's seminal work, Facing Mount Kenya: The Tribal Life of the Gikuyu, provides a detailed and insightful exploration of the traditional life and customs of the Gikuyu people of Kenya. Originally published in 1938, this book remains a classic work of anthropology and African history. Our comprehensive summary study guide delves into the key themes, characters, and events of Facing Mount Kenya to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this important work.

Summary

Facing Mount Kenya is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Land and the People," provides a detailed description of the Gikuyu people and their environment. Kenyatta discusses the Gikuyu's history, their social and political organization, and their religious beliefs and practices. The second part, "The Life Cycle," examines the different stages of life for the Gikuyu, from birth to death. Kenyatta describes the rituals and ceremonies associated with each stage, as well as the roles and responsibilities of different members of the community. The third part, "The Social and Political System," explores the Gikuyu's system of government and their legal and economic systems. Kenyatta also discusses the challenges facing the Gikuyu in the wake of colonialism.

Key Themes

Facing Mount Kenya explores several key themes, including:

• The importance of land and environment: The Gikuyu have a deep connection to their land, which they believe is sacred. Their way of life is closely tied to the natural environment, and they have developed a number of practices to ensure the sustainability of their resources.
• The role of tradition and custom: The Gikuyu have a strong sense of tradition and custom. They believe that their way of life is the best way, and they are resistant to change. This can sometimes lead to conflict with outsiders, who may not understand or respect their customs.
• The importance of community: The Gikuyu are a communal people. They believe that they are all part of a larger community, and they are always willing to help each other out. This sense of community is essential to their way of life.
• The challenges of colonialism: The Gikuyu have faced many challenges over the years, including colonialism. Kenyatta discusses the impact of colonialism on the Gikuyu people, and he calls for them to resist oppression and to fight for their independence.

Characters

Facing Mount Kenya features a number of important characters, including:

• Jomo Kenyatta: The author of Facing Mount Kenya, Kenyatta was a Gikuyu leader who played a major role in the fight for Kenya's independence. He was the first president of Kenya, and he is considered one of the most important figures in African history.
• Mumbi: Mumbi is the mother of the Gikuyu people. She is a symbol of fertility and abundance, and she is revered by the Gikuyu people.
• Gikuyu: Gikuyu is the father of the Gikuyu people. He is a symbol of strength and courage, and he is revered by the Gikuyu people.
• Waiyaki: Waiyaki was a Gikuyu leader who resisted British colonialism. He was captured and executed by the British, but he is considered a national hero by the Gikuyu people.

Events

Facing Mount Kenya describes a number of important events in Gikuyu history, including:

• The creation of the Gikuyu people: Kenyatta describes the Gikuyu people's creation myth, which tells how they came to be from Mount Kenya.
• The arrival of the Europeans: Kenyatta discusses the impact of European colonialism on the Gikuyu people. He describes the British conquest of Kenya and the subsequent oppression of the Gikuyu people.
• The Mau Mau uprising: Kenyatta discusses the Mau Mau uprising, which was a rebellion by the Gikuyu people against British colonialism. The uprising was brutally suppressed by the British, but it ultimately led to Kenya's independence.

Study Guide

Our summary study guide provides a comprehensive overview of Facing Mount Kenya. It includes:

• A detailed summary of the book
• An analysis of the book's key themes
• A discussion of the book's characters and events
• A set of study questions to help you test your understanding of the book

Whether you are a student, a researcher, or simply a reader interested in African history and culture, our summary study guide will help you to get the most out of Facing Mount Kenya.

Facing Mount Kenya is an essential work for anyone interested in African history and culture. Jomo Kenyatta's detailed and insightful exploration of the traditional life of the Gikuyu people provides a unique window into a fascinating and complex culture. Our comprehensive summary study guide will help you to get the most out of this important work.

Summary & Study Guide Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu by Jomo Kenyatta

by David Butler

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	147 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE