The Samburu & the Stars: Rhodia Mann
Rhodia Mann is a writer, historian, jewellery designer, and is renowned for her research on some of Kenya’s traditionally pastoralist tribes, including the Samburu and Borana of northern Kenya. Born in 1942, her life’s work has been shaped by a profound dedication to preserving and celebrating the knowledge, craft and heritage of communities whose traditions have been passed down through generations of oral storytelling.
Over a lifetime spent in deep relationship with these communities, Rhodia has authored six books and produced the documentary The Butterfly People (available on YouTube), which delves into Samburu culture and their relationship to the night sky. Her book Talk to the Stars also explores Samburu cultural astronomy and the ways the night sky has shaped their rituals and navigation of life for centuries. Her prized personal collection of historic Samburu artefacts and beadwork now lives at the Rhodia Mann Museum of Samburu Culture at Sasaab Lodge, in the heart of Samburu land, and is open to visitors by appointment.
This intimate knowledge of how indigenous communities read and relate to the night brought us to her door. We are honoured to have had the chance to speak with Rhodia and learn about her personal journey into Samburu astronomical knowledge.
The Losiolo escarpment that featured in Rhodia’s dream |
Rhodia Mann in her home in Nairobi |
Lesepen, the Samburu astrologer |
The painting of her encounter, by Jak Katarikawe |
The statue of Lesepen at the museum in Sasaab |
The Samburu ‘Star of Venus’ pendant |
The constellation Orion and the bridal party formation |
The moon and star shoes Rhodia wore especially for this conversation |