Coming soon
THIIRI INDIGINIOUS KNOWLEDGE CENTER - INTRODUCTION
The desire to develop a center for indigenous knowledge developed when Bishop Imathiu was working with KEMU, which endeavored to develop an indigenous knowledge center. The University was given an extensive collection of artifactsable to display from Professor Henry Moniki who was then a deputy VC. Patricia Kay Felkins helped finance the display as well as a botany garden. As the university developed these starts were overtaken, lost and forgotten.
When Thiiri Cultural Center was envisioned, a cultural center was put on top of the agenda. Over the years many indigenous trees and plants were planted, many of them with medicinal value. Many trees and plants were identified and labels were put on with scientific names and medicinal values. Unfortunately, over time labels were destroyed, but currently are replaced and expanded. Cultural huts were built, but later destroyed. Several cultural festivals were held, together with displays of traditional foods and medicinal herbs. Development needs and financial constraints diverted the vision which has now been revived. An authentic Meru homestead with three huts, a grain storage and surrounding fences is now kept in prim condition. The huts are furnished with beds, fireplaces, tools and equipment. Other artifacts are stored in the center for safekeeping but are available for viewing.
Lately the Thiiri Retirees, a project of our NGO, took interest in their own health, and discovered the many trees and herbs already on the grounds with medicinal values. Special thanks goes to Gabriel Thuranira, Kaburu Ikunua, Denson Ntrubiri and Simon Marete who have spent hours identifying and resourcing various plants and trees. Bundi Marete who has contributed information and resources. Dr. Peter Musili, from the National Museum of Kenya resourced the scientific names, and gave advice on the way forward. The entire group of Thiiri Retirees aided and supported the project over several year’s time.
This project includes both Indigenous and Exotic trees, scrubs and herbs, that are both Medicinal, Nutritional as well as local trees that are used for a variety of uses, including timber and ornamental.. All trees and plants that are found on the center grounds are recognized and recorded and have labels. However as the center continues to grow and evolve, some plants die, while new ones are planted, so the materials can be soon out of date.
A booklet along with a map of the center grounds gives the information as to where the plant is found: its scientific and local name, plus what uses it has, first of all medicinal, nutritional and then other. You can find the tree or plant from the map and notation next to the plant that states its location on the map. Example: 17 C is found in front of the Hall. You will find labels on at least one plant of every species, with its scientific name, local names, and notation of its uses. The table is organized in alphabetic order according to the scientific spices name.
Over time samples of most commonly used medicinal items will be available for sale. Re: Moringa, Alva vera; Chia seeds; Pumpkin seeds, Mwarobine toothbrush twigs, etc.
Thiiri Centre endeavors not only to be a resource for trees and plants, but INDIGIONIOUS KNOWLEDGE in general. The center has traditional huts, as well as many artifacts. Its members (Jonathan Gituma) have published Meru Proverbs, Songs and Stories, as well as Meru History and Culture. In process is a book explaining the values of Meru traditional stories that was drafted by Prof. Patricia Kay Felkins and elaborated by Japhet Muthuri Inoti. These are available for sale. The center will also hold traditional Dances and Music from time to time.
School classes, and interested individuals are welcome to learn and experience many traditions and customs of the Meru people, by participating in the Thiiri center cultural program. It starts with visiting the homestead, learning many of the traditions and customs as well as and viewing many artifacts and their uses. A video is available of dances and stories when presenters are not available. Visitors will also experience demonstrations of the use and preparation of traditional medicines. The center hopes and encourages the use of these traditional medicines to be researched for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Included is a walk around the compound identifying indigenous trees, plants, herbs and scrubs.
Several Appendixes are included to give recipes for insecticides, instructions to make concoctions for medicines, and other useful information.
These activities are supported by our NGO for which donations are accepted.
Thank you,