Work this week

One of the objectives of my research project is to figure out what the role of the three stone fire is in the household. It turns out there are all sorts of traditions about this stove. Any chance we get we ask about them, and get slightly different versions, and new stories from almost everyone. We haven't hit the saturation point yet. There are a lot of things that center around the hearth (or, did in previous times)!

We were lucky enough to be together with about ten older folks from the community of various stripes, including two village elders (like a mayor, but unpaid, and for a small area). They were from various subtribes of the Luhya peoples (mainly Bukusu). They again told us about the three stones representing the family- the father, mother, and children, with the largest stone representing the father, as the head of the household.

One tradition struck a chord with me, especally since I am newly married and my wedding was a fabulous occasion for me. While in a Canadian wedding it is typically the bride's chance to be a princess for a day, in their tradition she is more like a Cinderella... During the 'pre-wedding celebrations', the new wife needs to travel to her husband's home carrying with her all the ingredients, pots, pans, stirring spoons, and even a broom to clean up in order to prepare a big meal for not only her new husband, but also his parents and entire extended family. This girl must spend who knows how long in the kitchen of her new house making enough food to feed the crowd using her brand-new three-stone stove, and then serve it to them... waiting nervously for their reaction. If it tastes good, the wedding goes on. If she forgot the salt or burned the potatos, she may have to return to her parent's home in shame!!!

Yup. That's too much pressure for me. Thank goodness serving a feast to your inlaws isn't a prerequisite for Canadian girls to get married!

In contrast to the previous post, about an area where it was difficult to find anything but three stone stoves, the Cherangani area, where the next photo was taken was full of people using anything BUT the three stones. This particular model is the most expensive fuel saving device I have come across. I was purchased by a young guy who likely worked in a cafe or restaurant, so is kind of like the industrial model of a wood stove. It can take wood, charcoal, sawdust or maize cobs as fuel.

Another task this week was to visit various government offices to get background information about the areas. In one area, the Division Chief (like a mayor of an area including 20-30 villages), the District Officer (federal government), and the area Agriculture office all shared a compound. When I excused myself for a 'short call' I was a little shocked, but at least thankful that they couldn't be accused of misappropriating funds in their washroom facilities. And no, you don't see a door. And yes, that is a small hole. And yes, it was one of the worse ones I have seen.