Traditional Wakuria Craftmanship

Before the arrival of western technology Wakuria had invented various types of tools and weapons that enabled them to survive. They had craftmen in Ironsmith (Ubhuturi), Weaving (Ubhuruki), Carpentry (Ubhubhachi), Pottery (Ubhubhumbi). Leathery (Ubhuigusi). The Kuria names of craftmen are Abharuki (Weavers), Abhaturi (Ironsmith), Abhabhachi (Carpenters), Abhabhumbi (Potters) and Abhaigusi (Leathery). Some of the tools and gadgets made by each group is listed below:

Iron tools made by the Abhaturi (Ironsmith)

English Name -Kuria Name -Application of the too
1 Knives -Egekebhi, Enkobhero -Cutting tool, harvesting mille
2 Matchet -Umuhio, Omohoro -Cutting tree and clearing bush
3 Hunting Knives -Ichisinge -Weapons
4 Sword -Umuchonge -Weapons
5 Spear -Iritimo -Weapons
6 Hoe -Ekebhagho -Farming implement
7 Small hoes -Ekebhai -Weeding hoe
8 Hammer -Ekeresa -For Carpentry
9 Axe -Igisire -Choping firework and trees
10 Cowbell -Entongori -For cattle
11 Jingle bell -Ibhituriani, Ibhibhiria, Amagoro -For cattle and goats
12 Shackles -Ibhirang’ani -Used to harness mad people
13 Arrow heads -Ibhisimo -Weapons
14 Chisel -Embacho -Carpenter tool
15 Weaving needle -Isintake -Weaving baskets
Wooden Tools made by Abhabhachi (Carpenters)


English Name -Kuria Name -Application of the tool

1 Stool -Igitumbe -Used as chair
2 Bed -Obhoree -Sleeping
3 Pistel -Ihuri -Thrashing millet, Cassava
4 Wooden bowl -Igitubha -Utensils
5 Wooden hoe -Inkuro -Weeding and digging
6 Bows -Obhota -Weapon
7 Arrows -Imigwi -Weapon
8 High wooden shoes -Imityambwi -Dancing shoes for sururu


Straw tools and vessels made by Abharuki (Weavers)

English Name -Kuria Name -Application of the tool

1 Basket -Egetonga, -Storing flour
2 Harvesting Basket -Irikanga -Harvesting Millet
3 Food serving basket -Ekehe, Ekegaro -Utensils
4 Straw door shutter -Egesaku -Door shutte
5 Granary -Iritara -Store grain
6 Straw ornaments -Obhogeka -Worn by girls and ladies
7 Guard container -Ekerandi, Egesencho Serving water, Milk
8 Drinking straw -Orokore Beer -drinking straw

Leather products made by Abhaigusi (Leathery)

English Name -Kuria Name -Application of the tool

1 Cow hide Iriho- Engebho Drying floor- bedding
2 Goat/culf skin -Egesero -Wearing as clothing
3 Decorated cow/goat skin -Engemaita, Embotora -Worn by ladies during ceremonies
4 Treated goat skin -Igisiriti -Worn by ladies and girls
5 Shredded skin -Amacharya -Worn by boys during initiation
6 Thong -Urukini, irichi -To tie cows, fireword
7 Shield -Ingubha -War gear
8 Hood, Crown -Ekondo -War gear (outfit)


Pottery products made by Abhabhumbi (Potters)

English Name -Kuria Name -Application of the tool

1 Water pot -Esengo ya Amanche -Water storage
2 Milk pot -Ekenyongo -Milk storage
3 Huge Ugali pot -Inyakaruga -Cooking Ugali
4 Smoking pipe -Ighikwabhe -Tobacco smoking
5 Flour pot -Enyongo ya bhose -Flour pot
6 Vegetable pot -Iririghira -Cooking pot

In the next issue we will explore the clan structure of the Wakuria.

Happy Reading.