Mau Mau purification process appeared very similar in meaning, structure, and
symbolism to purification practices in the pre-1950 environment.65
D. M. Mulwa was born in Yumbani, Kisekini, a village in Machakos1 and he
was one of many Mau Mau oathers that went through the Mau Mau purification
rite. He stated this was required before he was able to return to the
ViIIageZhomestead after Mau Mau activities. He states, “I had to spend the first
night at a fellow Mau Mau’s home before I was cleansed.”66 Those that
participated in the cleansing process for Mulwa applied the ng’ondu mixture as
described by Lindblom. This mixture was applied using the mataa plant and was
splashed all over the body.67
Like traditional purification, the Mau Mau oath purification process was full
of symbolism. The dominant symbols, according to Victor Turner, refer to values
of purpose to the representation of поп-empirical beings and powers.68 Similar to
Turner’s dominant symbol of the milk tree in his analysis of the Ndembu, the
dominant symbol of the purification practices is the Mtaa plant.69 This plant is
sprayed over the victim(s), and the motion of its application is symbolic to the
washing away of the negativity or the cleansing needed to overcome the
affliction. The medicine mixture, ng’ondu, which Mulwa experienced, is symbolic
65 The field work includes: Kangundo District. “Purification and Rainmaking Ceremony.” December
2008. Video tape recording and notes and A.N.M. Matingo. Machakos District. “Mau Mau
Purification/Cleansing Performance." December 2008. Video tape recording and notes and Wendo Wa
Kavete. Kibwezi District. “Purification Ritual Performance.” December 2008. Video tape recording and
notes.
66 Interview, D. M. Mulwa, January 2009, Machakos.
67 Collection OfInterview notes, 12/08-1/09.
68 Turner, The Forest OfSymbols, 30-32.
69 Also one of the plants used in the Mau Mau PurificationZCleansing Performance by A.N.M. Matingo.
A.N.M. Matingo. Machakos District. “Mau Mau Purification/Cleansing Performance." December 2008.
Video tape recording and notes.
212
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