Loiyan
red ghost of menengai crateR
Menengai Crater has been a home to 60,000 Maasai ‘ghosts’ who were killed. Local sources say that only 30,000 remain. This is due to deforestation that has been happening in recent times. It is said that when they were killed, it rained heavily and many trees grew on that day. A linkage was formed between them and the trees. Every tree cut down weakens one of them.
Before the remaining ghosts go into extinction, they have to fight for survival. They have sent LOIYAN who has been disguising herself as a ‘flying umbrella’. She can also take a human form at will, to pursue those who are destroying the woodlands. When a tree is cut, her crystal pendant necklace glows showing the position of the victim(s). She traces the victims, holds them captive and takes them to the netherworld caves at Menengai crater for 30 days. You are then made to work and cultivate for their lands forever.
Trees are unsung heroes of our environment. Imagine Kenya without trees? How bad can that be?
Don’t be a victim. Save a tree to save your life.
MODEL: ADHIAMBO AGOROH
PRODUCTION COMPANY: CHROMEZ STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHER: ALLOYS ITEBA
