Lip plates are a form of body modification that involves piercing and stretching the lower or upper lip to insert a circular disc made of clay, wood, or metal. The disc stretches the lip over time, creating a distinctive appearance valued by some cultures. Lip plates have been invented independently in different parts of the … Read more

Elekes are associated with the Santeria tradition, where the religion’s practitioners wear necklaces and bracelets believed to have a spiritual connection to different Orishas or supernatural spirits. Elekes are, therefore, a linkage between the believers and the five deities, whose spiritual connection must be renewed and maintained periodically. So, how do you feed elekes, or … Read more

Maybe you have never taken a tour down the mythological history. Even so, you most certainly have heard of the Marvel Universe’s Thor. While that is purely a work of fiction, there is believed to have been a Norse god of Thunder in Greek mythology.  You may have also heard the names of gods such … Read more

Elekes stands for beaded necklaces donned by the Lukumi or Santeria Religion faithfuls. The beads are usually 5, presenting supernatural entities called Oshun, Yemaya, Eshu, Chango, and Obatala. The necklaces are issued to new believers in an initiation ritual led by a Santeria religious leader. Being a consecrated necklace, it, therefore, matters when someone touches … Read more

Kenya is undoubtedly home to several ethnicities, wildlife diversity, scenic sites, internationally acclaimed personalities like Lupita Nyong’o and Eliud Kipchoge, and last but not least, a rich assortment of traditional food. Regarding the food, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Kenyan traditional dishes. Beyond the inviting flavors and tantalizing aromas, … Read more

War is a common theme in many mythologies across the globe. Humans have always sought to explain and justify the causes and consequences of violence. That is why in Africa, a continent with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, there are many gods and goddesses associated with war, each with their own stories, attributes, and … Read more

Kenya is home to more than 40 tribes, each with its own unique traditions and cultural practices. That means the country barely has a national dress code that can summarize or characterize the diverse traditions, ethnic preferences, or cultures as a whole. Therefore, while the vast majority of modern-day Kenyan attire borrows heavily from Western … Read more