African Warriors: The Samburu

Rating:
Summary: An enlightening view of a vanishing lifestyle
Review: AFRICAN WARRIORS: THE SAMBURU is a beautiful book that will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the warrior life of the Samburu, a nomadic tribe in Kenya and kin to the more famous Masaai tribe. I bought this book several years ago, and it has remained one of my favorites. The panoramic view of the Kenyan landscape that this book provides is so encompassing that it makes you feel like you are there.

The pictures that I found most intriguing were of the two warrior men holding hands. The accompanying caption reads that the warriors form close bonds with each other, and the handholding is one example of that. I found this interesting because this is not something you'd see in the USA: American men who have embraced a "warrior" role would not hold hands with others like themselves. The text also explains that the Samburu warriors always strive to appear elegant and graceful, and they prefer to maintain a slender and sinuous appearance. Bulk muscle is considered ugly. I find it fascinating that the Samburu's epitome of masculinity is also encouraged to show affection with other males and to have a decorative presence in the community. As AFRICAN WARRIORS: THE SAMBURU points out, these warriors are the center of Samburu life.