The importance of well researched and well written books can not be overestimated. One such book is “The Iteso”, by J.C.D. Lawrance for Eria Paulo Engulu, M.B.E., Chief Judge of Teso in the 1950s and his people.
Since I got to learn of and to acquire “The Iteso” (photocopy of the full book), I feel blessed in terms of having a valid and a strong connection with my ancestry and my roots from whence I am descended.
The book is a great reference point for me in all aspects. For example, in the 1950s when the book was written, the Iteso were the second largest first nation of Uganda. We are now the fifth largest. Whatever happened?
Also, in the 1950s, Iteso, my people, were described as “a wealthy and progressive community.” We are now arguable among the least wealthy, economically and materially; and perhaps, the least progressive community, judging by the manner in which we are allowing the ethnocide of our culture. Whatever happened?
“The Iteso”, by the way, articulates changes among Iteso and in Teso over a 50-year period. Here is a review of the book that I largely agree with.
When I am called upon to advise and to contribute to how those seeking to practice our culture, it is from this book that I seek wisdom. One such instance is when I am asked or would like to know the appropriate Teso practice for welcoming a new born child into a family and into a clan, including naming ceremonies.
Yes, I recently became ija (aunt) again and needed to check the appropriate gifts to give. I now know and I am going to gift accordingly. Unfortunately, not all of the traditional gifts will I be able to gift, in which case I will have to improvise and this itself will be fun!
Emuria koliai!
nowaraga.com 
18 responses to “Book Review: “The Iteso””
Eyalama noi
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[…] You can further educate on this by reading the book: “The Iteso”. […]
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This is inspirational
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[…] which I belong, the Iteso First Nation. And so, without much ado, I consulted my favourite book: “The Iteso,” by J.C.D. Lawrance, which even though written from a colonisers perspective, provides a good reference from whence to […]
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[…] Iteso homestead as documented on the book: “Iteso” by J.C.D. Lawrence […]
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[…] J.C.D. Lawrance in his book: “Iteso” […]
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[…] It was unusual for women to cut their hair except at ceremonies connected with childbirth.” J.C.D. Lawrance in his book: “Iteso” No wonder, therefore, history has it, that in the Atlantic Slave Trade, when millions of Africans […]
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[…] J. C. D. Lawrance in his book “The Iteso” […]
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[…] his book “The Iteso”, J.C.D. Lawrence, for example, devotes a sub-section titled: “Kakungulu’s Empire” […]
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[…] “The Iteso,” by J.C.D. Lawrence […]
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[…] “This ceremony is known as the smearing ceremony (ainyonyo) and may take place at the time when the new bride is brought by her relatives to her husband’s village on the marriage day.” J.C.D. Lawrence in his book: “The Iteso” […]
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[…] J. C. D. Lawrence in his book: “The Iteso – Fifty years of change in a Nilo-Hamitic Trib… […]
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[…] Within Iteso customary law, a distinction is made between bride-price and bridal gifts. In Iteso customary marriage, apart from bride-price, certain presents are customarily given by the bridegroom (source: J.C.D. Lawrence, “The Iteso”): […]
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[…] Descriptions of Iteso culture I have borrowed significantly from the book “The Iteso”, by J. C. D. Lawrance. […]
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[…] of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries, speaking in her capacity as a daughter of our Iteso nation, Atesot, advocating for the celebration and preservation of Iteso food […]
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[…] The Iteso – Fifty Years of Change in A Nilo-Hamitic Tribe of Uganda, by J. C. D, Lawrance […]
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[…] J. C. D. Lawrence in “The Iteso – Fifty years of change in a nilo-hamitic tribe of Ugabd… […]
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[…] “The Iteso – Fifty years of change in a nilo-hamitic tribe of Uganda,” authored in the 1950s by J.C.D. Lawrence, is my favourite book on and about Iteso, before my time and that is based on empirical evidence. Tears & Triumph, set from the 1960s to date, nicely complements “The Iteso” as a valuable empirical documentation of Iteso culture for posterity. […]
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