The Origin of the Samburu and Their Cattle

In the beginning, the Samburu had no cattle and lived in a deep, dark crater. Their god, Nkai, looked down and saw them living in poverty. Nkai decided to give them a gift that would be their livelihood forever. He took a leather rope and tied it to a fig tree, the most sacred of trees. He then began to lower cattle down the rope from the sky into the crater. At first, the people were frightened of the strange beasts. A small, colorful bird saw their fear and sang to them, "Do not be afraid! These are a gift from Nkai. They will give you milk and blood. They are your life." Reassured by the bird's song, the people accepted the cattle. When the crater was full, Nkai cut the rope. The Samburu, with their vast herds, were then able to climb out of the crater and spread across the plains. This is why cattle are sacred, the fig tree is a place of prayer, and certain birds are considered wise messengers of Nkai.