The El Molo are one of Kenya's least populated tribes. It is believed that every year, as the old die and there are fewer births than in the past, their numbers decrease, and today there may be little more than a hundred pure El Molo. According to the latest census, 1,104 people declared themselves to be El Molo, but Kenyan censuses are not always based on objective data, especially in rural areas.
The El Molo community is believed to have emigrated from Ethiopia to the Turkana basin around 1000 BC. Today they live mainly around Lake Turkana, in the bay of the same name. The Turkana basin is well known for the research studies conducted by the National Museum of Kenya. The El Molo have lived in this basin for years and even today you can find the remains of the sacred places where they practised their cult. The importance and veneration of this sacred place is emphasised by the fact that, even in times of conflict, neighbouring communities do not desecrate these sites. Almost one hundred and fifty kilometres away there is also a sacred hill, Moite Hill, which is of great importance to their Turkana and Rendille neighbours.
The El Molo traditionally believed in God (Waaq) and wore amulets to protect themselves from disease and misfortune. It was believed that wearing this necklace of leather beads (ndimu) brought good luck. Traditionally, mothers could not conceive another child until their son was strong enough to fish with a spear or their daughter was old enough to prepare the traditional earth pot. Girls were circumcised on their wedding day, an occasion of great importance for the community. Before the wedding, the girls wore a bracelet made of coiled brass wire (surutei) and other types of jewellery. Today in Kenya female circumcision is illegal and communities are encouraged to use alternative initiation rites that do not involve clitoridectomy. The doll represents the female form and is a symbol of fertility. Girls would carry them with them and hang them in their homes to ensure they had many children.
The El Molo men were known for their ironwork, fishing boats and woodwork, while the women were famous for their beautiful baskets, pots and jewellery. Baskets for food were made from strips of mlala leaves. Awls were used to join them together. As well as being used as jugs, ostrich eggs were used to make ornaments. The shells were placed on a flat stone and, with the help of a heavy piece of iron, they were chipped in a delicate way. After being chipped to the desired size, the rough edges were smoothed on a stone. In the community, different ornaments were worn by people of different ages, genders and statuses, on specific occasions and ceremonies. To discover the culture and traditions of the El Molo, there is also the annual Turkana Lake Tourism and Cultural Festival held in the town of Loiyangalani. The three-day celebration invites everyone to discover the traditional dances, performances, food, crafts and culture of the communities living around Lake Turkana. In 2008, the National Museums of Kenya opened the Desert Museum at Loiyangalani with the aim of preserving and promoting the unique cultures of the eight communities that live in the Lake Turkana region: El Molo, Turkana, Pokot, Rendile, Samburu, Gabbra, Watta and Dassanach. Many of the cultural practices of the El Molo are still in use today, but have been influenced by changes in society. The heritage and culture of the El Molo community, together with those of over 44 communities in Kenya, continue to fascinate and inspire. The National Museum of Kenya invites everyone to celebrate the intangible cultural heritage of all the communities that make up this great nation.

(Photo: Alberto Michieli)