The Gĩkũyũ kinship system is part of knowing Gĩkũyũ culture because referencing people correctly is akin to being respectful.
Unlike today, most of us only know our nuclear family definitions, the traditional system extended family relationships across nuclear, extended family, and marriage connection families.
Traditionally, stepbrothers and stepsisters references did not exist. They were simply called brother and sister, that separation is eurocentric.
The Foundation of the Family
The paternal side occupies a significant place in traditional Gĩkũyũ society. Today, the dad’s side has a bad rap about not being welcoming. 😂…are yours’ cool?
The Mother’s Side of the Family.
The mother’s side is almost everyone’s favorite side.
The Siblings
In Laws
Children
I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the rich Gĩkũyũ kinship system, including traditional family name references, lineage relationships, cousins, in-laws, and grandparents.
Which reference is new to you? 😁