According to Bukusu folklore, African Leopards are large-sized predictor cats who roam riverine forests and dense bushes often hunting antelopes, hares and livestock and even humans to quench their carnivorous desires. Over the years, they have weaponized their camouflage skills for survival making them excellent hunters under the cover of darkness.
An African leopard is not only a fearsome beast but also intelligent and patient killer who is calculative, strong and fast enough. Adult leopards may live up to twenty one years of age mostly as a solitary animal. Modern animal behaviorists at the African Wildlife Foundation believe the African leopard is the most secretive and mysterious of the wild cats.
Before the pinkman came up with names such as Chordata, Carnivora and Panther Pardus to describe the leopard, the Babukusu of Western Kenya had for more many decades lived (in nuisance) and studied this tactful enemy. In fact, the elite Bukusu warriors hunted these cats down for its soft fur (for making ceremonial robes) as well as its tails, whiskers and claws for medicinal and prestige purposes. Leopard's special abilities include fast swimming (even in high tides), climbing trees with heavy kills, climbing back down head first, long, high jumps and land speed of about 60km/hour.
Leopard hunting, among Bukusuland, was a noble cause left only to the courageous, wise, strong and talented hunters. Nevertheless, it was no longer a sport when such stealth beasts would constantly raid kraals and households. Teams would be formed to track down and savage these vicious cats. Tactful hunters used special traps using sheep and goats as bait to catch and kill leopards. Leopards are also associated with ‘khulicha’ among select Bukusu clans who take the initiated into the deep woods to wrestle with leopards as part of their rituals.
Otherwise, over time, though getting extinct, leopards in Bukusuland have become an emblem, showing power, strength and tact. Football teams such as Ingwee (AFC Leopards), clans, names of people and even political parties have been quick to associate themselves with the traits of Leopards. For instance, the 1992-founded Forum for Restoration of Democracy Kenya (FORD-KENYA) has been widely associated with leopard even when its symbol is that of a lion.
Due to the Bukusu bitter interaction with the African Leopard over the years, there have been many proverbs and sayings pointing evidence that such animals have been well understood. Below are 15 of such proverbs:
1. Kumwoyo kumulayi kwakonia engwe khumukuru
[A good heart tamed the leopard to the threshold of the house]
A kind-hearted person can avoid danger. A loving attitude can conquer ‘difficult’ people such as a wife to a husband, one to a neighbour or one to his/her boss etc. .
2. Nemala butelwa nga engwe
[I have finished my solitude like a leopard]
Traditionally, a leopard avoids solitude by taking care of its young ones. Today, the proverb encourages good parentage where one need to provide financial security to his/her children thus make them self-dependent just like the African Leopard.
3. Lia Sikwe okhalia sia Namunyu ta
[Eat like a leopard, not like a hyena]
A leopard is a disciplined eater with good habits. It could eat sparingly and slowly unlike a hyena that is greedy. The proverb warns people to have self-control such as avoid sexual perversion, gluttony or excessive drinking. It is wise to use available resources and preserve others for future use.
4. Wenyoela Wanangwe akhakhukhebela ta
[Be early so that Mr. Leopard does not fore-run you, he could do worse]
If one seeks something good, timing is essential. Do not sit back for events or circumstances will outrun you leaving you in regrets.
5. Engwe yasalile elukholo
[The Leopard has given birth at the bulrushes]
The saying is used to mean the beer is completely finished in the beer-pot; there is no extra reserve or beer.
6. Butelwa bwera engwe
[Solitude killed the Leopard]
Even the strongest of us need company. No man is an island and thus everybody needs everyone. Learn to be social to all; you might need their help someday.
7. Engwe eabasia khulwiki nio waenja ekhomekho
[The leopard scratches on the door first before you look for the lock]
It is only after sensing imminent danger is when one starts to make precautions. Timing is important.
8. Embune erafuanga
[A wounded animal is fierce]
Do not disturb the angry person; they may lay their wrath upon you. Frustrations can make one short tempered.
9. Engwe sokireba niyo yekisa ta
[Don’t ask where the leopard hides]
In darkness, leopards see quite well and often hide on incompetent hunters who used to ask where it had disappeared to. The proverb teaches that life is full of misfortunes; do not go looking for them. Live as a law-abiding and humble person.
10. Waya bwela, Wanangwe akhakhunyolelela
[Graze carefully, lest Mr. Leopard finds you]
Always beware and be on guard, because greedy or evil minded people are ready to work against you. At times, you enemies have more power than you. Be on watch.
11. Etibile olonda lukele
[For the lost animal, you follow its footprints]
Back then, it was not uncommon for leopards to make away with livestock. Sharp Bukusu hunters often cautiously followed footprints/bloodline to find its hideout. The proverb today teaches us to have a proper plan to solve something or accomplish a project. Your plan needs to be in steps. Or in a legal case, always follow the track of events to catch culprit.
12. Oreka Ebona?
[You trap one that is watching?]
A clever animal such as a leopard cannot be trapped when it gets a hint of the trap. The saying means that if you plot against a person already aware of the plot, you are doing zero work.
13. Lukendo lwa weng’ene wangala sikonile
[On a lonely journey, you could wake the sleeping one]
Leopards and other big cats were known to predate on lonely travellers either late night or early dawn. It is caution that when one walks alone, he/she may encounter dangerous animal. Today, the saying means that always have a confidant or companion when carrying out a serious project. Embrace togetherness and shun individualism.
14. Esimbo yenyuma ebelesianga
[The last strike annoys]
The well-trained leopard hunters were taught various skills to savage such big cats such as raining down one mighty and unexpected blow to the beast. The proverb cautions that one’s last effort in a project is powerful. Do not underestimate the power of people, even a weakling can outcompete you in a certain project.
15. Sumangesi yayiila khusili, suma silu yayila mumayo
[A clever ‘Esuma’ animal grazes on the hilltop while the foolish one grazes from the bottom slopes]
Esuma (animal with closer resemblance to antelope) would be attacked by the leopards and other big cats. Those grazing at a raised place have the advantage of seeing the enemy first and thus more likely to flee in time. The saying explains the height to wisdom that comes with age. A wise person sees far into the future and anticipates dangers while a foolish one is short-sighted and base on petty things.
Credits: --The African Wildlife Foundation (2017) Leopard, Near Threatened
--Bro Andrea Sifuna (2003); Our Rich Heritage; Over 1000 Bukusu Proverbs- Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy
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