THE AMERU CULTURE

The Meru tribe is a fairly homogeneous group composed of nine sub-tribes, each of which speaks its own dialect of the Kimeru language. The Imenti dialect is common among the sub-tribes. Differences in the dialects reflect their varied Bantu origins and influences from the Cushites and Nilotes, as well as their Kikuyu and Kamba Bantu neighbors.

The Meru are agriculturalists who have done well due to the good climatic conditions of their land. The majority of Meru people are subsistence farmers who live on small family plots where they raise food and cash crops. The fertile land produces a large variety of food crops, including staples such as corn, beans, potatoes, and millet. Coffee is the most popularly grown cash crop, along with tea and cotton. Merus are also best known for farming miraa, a stimulant plant.

Ameru men and women performing a cultural dance

The Ameru elders