The Meru community is believed to have migrated to the north eastern slopes Mount Kenya from an island located along the Indian Ocean. This island once went by the name Mbwaa. This was home to the Ameru for many years, until they were driven out by a community they have since referred to as the Red People.
The cool and wet climate of the Mount Kenya region made it possible for the Meru to become farmers and settle down in the region. They put up patrilineal homesteads that consisted of several round huts.
A homestead was accessed through two entrances: the one on the right belonged to the first wife and the one on the left belonged to the second wife. The two wives’ huts were located near their respective entrances. The husband’s hut was built near the left entrance. It was the largest of all the huts since it was shared by him, his sons, and his goats.
The top of every hut was partitioned for storage; the husband’s stored food in this area while his wives stored firewood. Each hut also had a window, and the windows of women’s huts faced their granaries. All the huts opened to the centre of the compound, where the cattle shed was located. Just like the homestead, the shed also had two side entrances.
Perhaps you know more about Mbwaa, or the Red People, or why the husband’s hut was nearer the second wife’s hut. Share what you know about the Ameru below!
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