Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH) approached SirNare Studios to be part of an illustrator's collective that would work on a project documenting stories retold by our traditional elders from different places in Kenya.
The TICAH team did the interviews and created short stories that we would then creatively retell in a comic format. We are always excited to work on stories that reflect and showcase unique African stories.
This is William's story
William was born in Nyeri, Othaya in 1961. He grew up in Nyeri and joined the Kenya Forest Service in 1981. His last project with the Kenya Forest Service was at the Nairobi Arboretum before he joined the National Museums of Kenya in 1997.
While at NMK, He was involved in various committees such as the restoration of Michuki Park. He was also involved in the construction of the Peace Path and worked to invite Gikuyu elders to participate in the Peace Path ceremonies and constructions.
At home, he has been tasked with dowry negotiation exercises for both men and women and has become almost a professional dowry negotiator.
MZEE’S MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD:
“‘Mwacha mila ni mtumwa,' [one who abandons their culture is a slave]. There is a lot that we can learn from our cultures. Culture is the basis of our existence; it is important for our growth. There are values and principles embedded in our culture that guide us to grow into responsible members of the community.”
The TICAH team did the interviews and created short stories that we would then creatively retell in a comic format. We are always excited to work on stories that reflect and showcase unique African stories.
This is William's story
William was born in Nyeri, Othaya in 1961. He grew up in Nyeri and joined the Kenya Forest Service in 1981. His last project with the Kenya Forest Service was at the Nairobi Arboretum before he joined the National Museums of Kenya in 1997.
While at NMK, He was involved in various committees such as the restoration of Michuki Park. He was also involved in the construction of the Peace Path and worked to invite Gikuyu elders to participate in the Peace Path ceremonies and constructions.
At home, he has been tasked with dowry negotiation exercises for both men and women and has become almost a professional dowry negotiator.
MZEE’S MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD:
“‘Mwacha mila ni mtumwa,' [one who abandons their culture is a slave]. There is a lot that we can learn from our cultures. Culture is the basis of our existence; it is important for our growth. There are values and principles embedded in our culture that guide us to grow into responsible members of the community.”
Credits:
Project Managger (TICAH) - Suzanne Mieko
Sketch - Morvin Were
Inks - Arnold Ouma/ Ian Muhanji
Colors & Lighting - Arnold Ouma
Creative Director - Kelvin Shani
