objects represented. The objective of the model is to help construct and frame
the complex oathing structures in order to analyze the Mau Mau oath.2
The Mau Mau Oath Model as depicted shows that each Mau Mau oath
was a function of several components that all provided a unique Mau Mau oath
occurrence which is displayed mostly through the required relationships to the
objects (2.0- 2.5) that make up each oathing experience. In other words, a Mau
Mau oath experience was dependent on relationships to different oathing
statements, symbols, location details, time details, and the nature. It also shows
that there were new optional relationships to objects (3.0-3.2) created during Mau
Mau that included oathing to women and to the young.3 The model also included
relationships to new objects: colonial criminalization and oathing purification.4
These objects represent complex social and political changes that will be treated
separately in subsequent chapters.5 The focus here is on the examination of
objects 2.0-2.5 since they provide insight into the core meaning, structure, and
interpretation of the Mau Mau oath.6
2 Another characteristic of the model is that it has been designed to provide the best structure for future
research analysis on the topic.
3 See Figure 3.0 in Appendix for an image of two Mau Mau women oathing.
4 In traditional society these relationships with oathing did not exist; however the Mau Mau period forged
these relationship changes. Colonial criminalization was new because in traditional society the oathing was
not viewed as a criminal activity; it actually worked alongside the judicial systems. Similarly, purification
was not used in oathing but was a new relationship based on how the oath changed in nature.
5 However the object “young” as a full blown category for analysis is not treated in detail for this particular
study, but the new oathing relationship to this group is being noted for future research efforts.
6 Note - On the model the references of FK or PK are indicators used to track how the object may be
uniquely identified. The technical detail of this is out of scope and useful only in how we conceptualize a
unique occurrence of an othing experience or event.
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