This paper presents an overview exposition and critical reflection on the role played by oral arts and performance throught history as far as the preservation of African indigenous knowledge and moral ethics is concerned.This study takes songs and dances among the Gusii of south-western Kenya as its unit of study . It seeks to address fundamental issues that are in the verge of being forgotten especially by the youth of this generation. It argues that music and dance among the Gusii have traditional roots and serves as a source of understanding the cultural history of the community as part of indigenous knowledge moral and societal ethics. Indeed, without knowledge of a community’s cultural history, the historical destiny, indigenous knowledge and moral education cannot be easily comprehended. This history makes it one of the most essential genres that the Gusii community employs to explore the past indigenous education through musical and dance generic forms. This paper proceeds from the premise that, in the pre-colonial times, the Gusii had evolved elaborate music and dance forms conditioned by their social and natural environments. It can also established in this discussion that African music and dance, as practised by the Gusii nurtured, enhanced, preserved and brought up emotionally, psychologically, ethically, socially stable and a unitary indigenous community. The theories employed to explain the phenomenon of the functionality of among the Gusii pre-colonial music and dance indigenous knowledge preservation and moral education were, Evolution, Diffusion, functionalism and theories of dance. The Study methodology into historical enquiry of the pre-colonial music and dance was carried out in three major phases as follows; employing data collection techniques on a systematic basis beginning with secondary sources in libraries, the marshalling of primary source materials in the Kenya National Archives, and the gathering of data through oral interviews and observations in the research field. In this study, respondents were selected through snowball and purposive sampling techniques in order to obtain key custodians of the Gusii cultural history. Oral interviews were conducted between 1996 and 1998.Respondents included sixty elderly men and women from Gusii land thought to be knowledgeable on the community’s cultural history.
Table of Contents
- 1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Objective and Justification of the Study
- 1.2 Methods of study
- 1.3 Theoretical framework
- 1.4 Gusii people
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to explore the role of song and dance in preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage among the pre-colonial Gusii people of southwestern Kenya. It investigates how these art forms functioned as vital tools for transmitting cultural history, moral values, and social structures within the community.
- The historical evolution of Gusii songs and dances.
- The functions of Gusii songs and dances in preserving indigenous knowledge and moral education.
- The impact of cultural exchange with neighboring communities on Gusii music and dance.
- The application of sociological theories (evolution, diffusion, functionalism, and dance theories) to understand the Gusii cultural practices.
- The significance of music and dance in shaping Gusii cultural identity and social cohesion.
Chapter Summaries
1.0 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research by highlighting the importance of studying pre-colonial African music and dance, particularly among the Gusii people. It emphasizes the risk of losing this vital aspect of cultural heritage, especially among younger generations. The chapter establishes the study's focus on the evolution and development of Gusii songs and dances in the pre-colonial era, arguing that these art forms had distinct functions and evolved independently before European contact. It posits that culture is deeply rooted in a community's values, beliefs, rituals, and material possessions, finding expression in various forms, including songs, dances, and language. The chapter further introduces the concepts of cultural invention and diffusion as mechanisms for cultural growth and change.
1.1 Objective and Justification of the Study: This section outlines the primary objective of the study: to examine the role of songs and dances in preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural ethics among the pre-colonial Gusii. Specific objectives include tracing the historical evolution of Gusii songs and dances, establishing the nature of these art forms, investigating changes resulting from contact with other communities, and examining their role in preserving cultural heritage. The chapter justifies the study by highlighting its contribution to a better understanding of African cultural history, often overlooked by scholars. It also underscores the practical applications of the research findings for cultural planners and those interested in understanding the Gusii cultural history.
1.2 Methods of study: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study. It describes a three-phase approach involving systematic data collection from secondary sources (library materials, published works, theses, etc.), primary sources (archival research at the Kenya National Archives), and fieldwork (oral interviews and observations). The chapter explains the selection of respondents through snowball and purposive sampling techniques, focusing on knowledgeable elderly men and women from the Gusii community. It describes the data collection process, including the use of oral interviews, cassette recordings, and note-taking, and outlines the methods of data analysis, emphasizing a thematic approach to organize and interpret the collected information.
1.3 Theoretical framework: This section lays out the theoretical underpinnings of the study, focusing on sociological approaches to understand cultural change. Four key theories are introduced: evolution, diffusion, functionalism, and dance theories. The chapter explains how these theories are applied to the study of Gusii music and dance, discussing concepts such as independent evolution, cultural borrowing, the functional roles of art forms, and the therapeutic potential of dance. It draws on established sociological and anthropological theories to provide a framework for interpreting the findings.
1.4 Gusii people: This chapter provides background information on the Gusii people, their linguistic affiliation, and their historical origins. It traces their origins to a location called Misiri, clarifying that it differs from Biblical Egypt. The chapter highlights the Gusii's relationship with other Bantu communities in the region, emphasizing linguistic and cultural connections, and stressing the shared history and cultural heritage among these groups.
Keywords
Gusii, indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, song, dance, pre-colonial Kenya, oral traditions, African ethnomusicology, cultural preservation, social cohesion, cultural identity, evolution, diffusion, functionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research paper exploring the role of song and dance in preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage among the pre-colonial Gusii people of southwestern Kenya. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main objectives of the research?
The research aims to investigate how Gusii songs and dances functioned as tools for transmitting cultural history, moral values, and social structures. Specific objectives include tracing the historical evolution of these art forms, examining their functions in preserving indigenous knowledge and moral education, analyzing the impact of cultural exchange, and applying sociological theories to understand Gusii cultural practices.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
Key themes include the historical evolution of Gusii songs and dances, their role in preserving indigenous knowledge and moral education, the impact of cultural exchange with neighboring communities, the application of sociological theories (evolution, diffusion, functionalism, and dance theories), and the significance of music and dance in shaping Gusii cultural identity and social cohesion.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The research paper is structured into several chapters. Chapter 1.0 provides an introduction, 1.1 focuses on the objectives and justification, 1.2 details the methodology, 1.3 outlines the theoretical framework, and 1.4 provides background information on the Gusii people. Further chapters (not detailed in this preview) likely expand on these themes.
What methodologies were used in the research?
The research employed a three-phase approach: systematic data collection from secondary sources (library materials, published works), primary sources (archival research), and fieldwork (oral interviews and observations). Snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents, focusing on knowledgeable elderly men and women from the Gusii community. Data analysis involved a thematic approach.
What theoretical frameworks are used?
The research draws upon sociological theories, including evolution, diffusion, functionalism, and dance theories, to understand cultural change and the functions of Gusii music and dance.
What is the significance of this research?
This research contributes to a better understanding of African cultural history, often overlooked by scholars. Its findings have practical applications for cultural planners and those interested in preserving and understanding Gusii cultural history. It highlights the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, particularly among younger generations.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Gusii, indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, song, dance, pre-colonial Kenya, oral traditions, African ethnomusicology, cultural preservation, social cohesion, cultural identity, evolution, diffusion, functionalism.
What information is included in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of each chapter's content, outlining the key arguments and findings presented in each section. They highlight the importance of studying pre-colonial African music and dance, the research objectives and methodology, the theoretical framework, and background information on the Gusii people.
Where can I find more information about the Gusii people?
Chapter 1.4 of the research paper provides background information on the Gusii people, their linguistic affiliation, historical origins, and relationships with other Bantu communities.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Evans Omosa Nyamwaka (Author), 2021, Historical Dynamism and the Power of Song and Dance in the Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Heritage among the Pre-Colonial Gusii of South Western Kenya, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1141863
