Samburu Man Collection

A Samburu warrior resplendent with long, braided, Ochred hair. The round ear ornaments of the warriors are fashioned from ivory

Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu. A Samburu youth after his circumcision. The day after he has been circumcised, the initiate must hang in his pierced earlobes copper ear ornaments that are normally worn

Samburu initiates sing during the month after their circumcision. As their wounds heal, their dances become more energetic

A Samburu initiate with bird skins hanging from his headband. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as

A Samburu initiate takes aim at a bird with a blunt arrow. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as many

A Samburu youth is forcibly restrained after throwing a fit in the tension-filled days leading up to his circumcision. It is not uncommon for Samburu youths and warriors to succumb to hysterical

Up to a year before his circumcision, a Samburu boy will style his hair in a distinctive pudding bowl shape and often rub charcoal and fat into it

A month after a Samburu youth has been circumcised, he becomes a warrior. He will go to the nearest stream or Waterhole to wash off a months grime

A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision. A day after the ordeal, he will hang in his pierced earlobes copper earrings normally worn by married women

A Samburu youth, his head freshly shaved, has milk poured over him from a wooden gourd-like container decorated with green grass prior to his circumcision

A Samburu warrior has his Ochred hair braided by a friend. A mixture of cows urine and ashes is often rubbed into the hair first to help straighten it

A young Samburu man leads a donkey carrying the basic structure of a temporary home. The curved sticks will be tied together in a dome and covered with hides

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

In the heart of Kenya's South Horr region, in the village of Kurungu, stands a remarkable figure - a Samburu man. Resplendent with long, braided ochred hair that cascades down his back like a fiery waterfall, he embodies the strength and traditions of his people. The Samburu warriors are known for their bravery and resilience. They undergo an arduous initiation process that marks their transition from boyhood to manhood. During this time, they sing ancient chants that echo through the vast African plains as they celebrate their newfound status. One can easily spot a Samburu initiate by the bird skins hanging proudly from his headband. These feathers symbolize courage and honor within their community. With every step he takes, he carries with him the weight of tradition and expectation. Equipped with a blunt arrow in hand, a young Samburu initiate learns to aim at birds soaring high above them. This practice hones their skills as hunters while instilling discipline and focus into their character. However, not all moments are filled with triumph and success. Sometimes restraint is necessary when emotions run high among these passionate youths. A powerful image captures the moment when one such youth is forcibly held back after throwing caution to the wind. Before undergoing circumcision - an event that occurs up to a year later - young boys eagerly anticipate becoming part of this esteemed brotherhood. Their adornments change from generation to generation but always reflect pride in heritage and identity. In quieter moments amidst this whirlwind journey towards adulthood, one may find a young Samburu boy sucking marrow from the leg bone of an animal – nourishment for both body and spirit alike. A month after circumcision comes reflection; it is during this period that we see glimpses of vulnerability on these brave faces adorned with warrior paint. The weighty responsibility now rests upon them as they navigate life's challenges armed with newfound wisdom gained through age-old rituals.