Ilchamus stories told through photographs, objects, and archaeology

Abstract

The years between 1900 and 2000 brought immense changes to Kenya and its people that included colonial occupation and violence, opposition to pastoralist lifestyles and local traditions, and independence. In 1900, colonialists were increasing their influence and caravans from the Swahili coast were travelling across Kenya looking for ivory, animal skins and other commodities. Most Ilchamus were then still living in one of two villages, Ilchmaus Leabori and Ilchamus Lekeper. They were successful farmers, making Lake Baringo famous as the granary of the Rift Valley. The villages were important trade and rest stops on the caravan route and it was a time of relative prosperity. But much has changed since then. Baringo is known as one of the most environmentally degraded and heavily eroded places in Kenya. The Ilchamus are also fighting for political recognition and support from the state. This exhibition aims to present Ilchamus lives in 1900 as remembered in oral history and made visible through photographs, objects and archaeological excavations. This is a time before social, economic, and environmental changes swept across the Rift Valley. We hope it can start a discussion on how life has changed and how the community has shown strength and resilience since then.