Abagusii fashion

The Gusii language, Ekegusii, is a Western Bantu language. It is common to name a child after a deceased person from the father's clan for the first name, and one from the mother's clan for the second name. Children may also be named for a recent event, such as the weather at the time of the child's birth. Some common names refer to the time of migrations. For example, the woman's nameKwambokameans "crossing a river."

Talking about personal feelings is prohibited. Hence, questions about a person's mental state are answered with statements about physical health or economic situation.

Due to civilization, education and economic power, the Kisii people have undergone drastic cultural changes. Kisii was one of the few Kenyan tribes that practiced mandatory female circumcision. Although this ritual has since been outlawed, it still persists but is not as frequent as it was in the past. Kisii boys continue to be initiated into adulthood and into the Gusii as a group by circumcision.

Kisii families tend to be very large and socially cohesive, with families living close to each other and sharing daily activities such as cooking and farming. By custom, men are allowed to marry more than one wife and are considered to be the authority in their families, almost a "King" to their women.

The Gusii are known for their soapstone carvings, basketry and pottery. The soapstone or kisii is found in the Tabaka Hills of Western Kenya near the town of Kisii. A soft and easily worked stone, it comes in a variety of colors ranging from cream and lavender to black. It is then carved into various works of art, such as vases, trays, food bowls and African animals which are then polished and decorated before being sold in malls, galleries, and art and crafts shop around Kenya

 Gusii men and women performing during a ceremony.

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The gusii women while performing a traditional song

These wonderful people are known with their favourite food (matoke) and also ugali.