The Iteso, being part of a larger group called Ateker sometimes referred to as the Teso people, are a Nilotic ethnic group that mostly inhabits western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Ateso is their language, while Teso is their traditional country.

History and Origins

According to a rich oral tradition, the Iteso originated in Djibouti and then migrated via Ethiopia and Eritrea before settling in their present-day areas.

Along with other ethnic groups like the Karamojong and Turkana, they are a component of the greater Ateker group know in general as cattle keepers.

Society and Culture

The traditionally lived in grass-thatched houses that formed acircle of closely related people in a single homeastead

Gender Roles are taken seriously and specific to men and women

Women are traditionally responsible for household activities and food preparation expanding family since marriage in some home is still freely polygamous

Men take on roles related to herding, hunting (in the past), and community leadership.

The Iteso people are renowned for their warmth and compassion. They have a deep bond with their land and engage in both crop and animal farming. Ajon, their traditional beverage, is frequently drank during social events and local celebrations.

Traditional Leadership:

The Iteso are arranged politically into clan councils, with an elder council in charge of preserving law and order, organizing the clan, and resolving conflicts.

Additionally, the Iteso have age sets, which are groupings of boys between the ages of 14 and 25 that assist in upholding law and order and protecting the community from outside threats.

Social Organization

Dance and Music:

The Adeudeu (thumb piano) and Etwo (flute) are two of the many instruments used in traditional Iteso music.

During ceremonies and festivals, dances such as Ajosi are performed to commemorate life events or convey delight among the community.

Clothing:

Modernised Ateso Attire

Iteso traditional attire was straightforward and frequently composed of plant or animal hides and their cultural dressing has been largely modernised with cotton local attire

Customs and Behaviors

Traditional music and dance are part of the Iteso's rich cultural history. They are also renowned for their forward-thinking agricultural methods; when they started growing cotton in the early 1900s, they swiftly embraced ox plows.