State protects cultural artefacts

By Patrick Githinji

The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture has declared over 30 cultural artifacts protected objects.

In a Kenya Gazette notice dated May 20, Heritage Minister William Ole Ntimama said the protected objects are of historical importance.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 25(1) (d) of the National Museums and Heritage Act, the Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, in consultation with the National Museums of Kenya, declares the objects specified in the schedule which are of historical interest, to be protected objects within the meaning of the Act," a section of the notice read.

The notice further noted that any objection to the protection of the objects should be lodged with the Minister within two months from the date of publication of the notice.

Among the protected objects are motonyi headdress of the Maasai, mask of the Duruma, circumcision shield of the Agikuyu, nzili of the Kamba and abuu of the Luo community.

"All other objects known as abuu found and used as musical instruments among the Luo in Nyanza Province are also protected," the notice read.

Reflect all stages of life

Other artifacts include kigango of the Giriama, magic outfit of the Wasanye, kasana of the Tugen, mask of the Makonde, shield of the Maasai, headdress of the Luo, anukunuku of the Turkana, chepkaut of the Kipsigis and the mask of the Tiriki.

The gazette notice comes a year after Ntimama opened a private museum in Meru. The museum has cultural material, which symbolise and reflect all stages of life of the Ameru people from birth to death.

The museum has over 250 artifacts ranging from clothing items, containers, weapons, ornaments and functional tools.