CULTURAL TOUR in Sipi

Sipi Falls is not only beautiful but also rich in culture. The Sebei people who inhabit Sipi have norms and traditions that have stood the test of time. Discover the interesting customs during the cultural tour in Sipi Falls.

The cultural tour takes 1-2 hours. It’s a short activity that takes place in the community. Discover everything that makes the people of Sipi tick during the cultural tour.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CULTURAL TOUR IN SIPI

Discover customs

Sebei culture is diverse, but one thing stands out. Circumcision is a major aspect of Sebei culture. In the old days, both girls and boys underwent circumcision as part of their initiation into adulthood. Now it’s only boys that undergo circumcision in Sipi falls.

This is a major event that involves singing, dancing, eating, drinking and other rituals. If you visit Sipi falls during the circumcision season, you’ll see many lively processions. You can even witness the circumcision act since they do it in public.

During the off season, you’ll witness an enactment of the circumcision process (Chekwoyet) as part of the cultural tour. Enjoy the interesting songs and dances, and also taste some drinks they serve during circumcision.

Circumcision is not the only custom in Sipi. Discover other cultural practices during the cultural tour in Sipi.

Visit cultural and historical sites

There are many cultural and historical sites in Sipi. During the cultural tour in Sipi falls, you’ll explore some of them. One of them is Mise cave, a historical cave where the people of Sipi ran to in times of war. The Sebei people also used the cave for other traditional rituals. Explore this and many more during the cultural tour in Sipi.

Storytelling

Listen to stories about Sipi and its people. The Sebei and their neighbors (Karamojong and Bagisu/Bamasaaba) have had many interactions over the years. Get to know more about them and learn the history of Sipi and its people during the cultural tour.

Art and crafts

Check out some arts and crafts made by the people of Sipi. You can hear the stories behind these artefacts and also purchase some of them for remembrance. Get some cool gifts for friends and family. If you want, the artists will teach you how to make them.

Food and drinks

What’s culture without some signature food and drinks? The locals widely consume a local drink called “komek”. They ferment maize flour for a week in order to make this tasty brew. Komek can be taken anytime but is more popular during functions and important days. You can take a sip of this drink during the cultural tour in Sipi falls.

SOME SEBEI/SABINY TRADITIONS

Naming

The Sebei perform naming rituals. Although these are not very popular anymore, the naming system follows certain patterns. They name many people based on their time of birth. For example, they give the name Chelangat to a baby born during the night.

In modern times, Sabinys usually have two names. A Christian/Moslem/western name and the cultural name/surname. The patriarchal naming system of giving a child their father’s surname did not exist but is slowly taking root because of western influence.

Initiation rites

Traditionally, the Sabiny would organize circumcision for both teenage girls and boys as a form of initiation into adulthood. However, with several campaigns against Female Genital Mutilation and its dangers, the Sebei people are abandoning the practice. Now that FGM is illegal in Uganda and many people are becoming literate, the practice is reducing drastically.

Gender roles

Sebei culture is patriarchal, meaning Sabinys consider men leaders of the community and heads of families. In the past, it was unheard of to elect a woman as a leader. Because of the influence in education, Sebei people are starting to recognize women as capable leaders as well.

Marriage

To marry in the Sebei region, you have to be circumcised because that makes one a man in the eyes of society. Men pay bride price to the woman’s family to appreciate them for raising her well. This makes the marriage official.

Food

The Sebei people in Uganda eat mainly Posho (cornmeal) and green vegetables. This is usually taken with a cup of local yoghurt (Kweryonik) which is a signature drink among the Sebei. This is mostly with those on the upper slopes which are closer to Kenya. On the lower slopes, people enjoy Matooke and Irish potatoes.

Regarding recreational drinks, the Sebei have an alcoholic brew made of corn flour and yeast.

Music, dance and drama

There are many Sebei traditional songs about agony, victory, marriage and life. Most of the songs are slow and smooth. One of the most popular dances is the Chekwoyet dance, a circumcision dance. There are many songs about the ritual as well.

Sebei culture is rich and diverse. Although oral tradition has dwindled, there are many cultural storytellers that pass on the information received from their ancestors by the newer generations.

If you would like to know more about Sebei culture, meeting Sebei people and listen to their music/stories,