Traditions of Kenya's Turkana people

The Turkana live in northwestern Kenya in the disputed Illemi Triangle to which Ethiopia and South Sudan have also laid claim. To protect themselves and their livestock from raids, Turkana bear weapons even as teenagers. Boys tend the herd from an early age.

The Turkana spend most of the year roaming the arid terrain looking for pasture and water for their livestock. They keep camels, cattle, donkeys and goats. Life is especially hard for women. They carry heavy loads on their heads and are responsible for feeding the family and other chores.

Turkana women wear necklaces they make themselves. They are an indication of social status. A woman without such jewelry has little hope of finding a husband. The more necklaces a woman wears, the greater her chances of finding a suitable match. Polygamy is widespread.

Turkana jewelry is made of glass, seeds, shells, iron or tin. It is only taken off when somebody falls ill or is mourning a dead relative. Older Turkana still wear pierced ornaments.

A Turkana woman packing away her belongings. The family are about to move on to new pastures. Her sick child is sleeping on the back of a donkey. There are just under 1 million Turkana, about 2.5 percent of the Kenyan population.

After a long journey, the women and children take a hot bath. They wash their clothes and stock up on fresh drinking water. Turkana regard dogs as members of the family. Their droppings are used for medicinal purposes; as ointment underneath the heavy neck ornaments.

A traditional metal wrist knife worn by a Turkana man. It is used for self-defense, or for cutting up meat. Turkana rely on their livestock for food - for meat, milk and blood.

Much has already changed in the lives of the Turkana, but for many fish is still taboo. Some Turkana, though, have altered their diet and now eat fish, such as Nile perch from Lake Turkana.

In the arid climate, dried fish is a source of nourishment that keeps for a long time. The fish is caught off the western shore of Lake Turkana and is dried on wood by the heat of the sun. For the Turkana, fishing is men's work.

Armed raids and cattle theft are common in Turkana's restive territory. As well as bearing traditional weapons such as spears, bows and arrows, the Turkana now make increasing use of firearms. Vigilance lasts long after sundown.