The Ritual Music, Culture and Nature of the Chiswa harvesting among Babukusu of Western Kenya

Abstract

Termite harvesting remains an important ritual and cultural activity in the Bukusu community of Western Kenya. Termites are a delicacy that people enjoy. Harvesting the termites takes different approaches as will be discussed in this article. The paper will, however, focus on one mode that makes use of a musical stimulus to attract the termites into a trap. In this article, I will venture into showing how this ritual of termite harvesting is an important part of the intangible cultural heritage of Babukusu. Further, I will seek to demonstrate how music can be central to interspecies communication. It is also envisaged that this article will contribute to the literature concerning ecomusicology, a new field of study that is in the process of developing definitions and terminology as well as conceptual understanding. This article drew data from field research I carried out in Bungoma County in 2017. Using ethnographic approaches, I interviewed participants during the harvesting rituals. Further data was gathered through participant observation. It is important to note that I come from this community and have over time participated in the ritual. Some of the information in this document is based on my position as an insider who has participated in this ritual over the years.