THe ITHEKE DANCE

                  THE ITHEKE DANCE

The itheke dance is another type of kamba traditional dance which is still into existence. The itheke dance is known to be practiced in Kitui county in several areas like in Mwingi and some areas of Kitui central specifically among the people of Kyangwithya East. It borrowed it's basics  the from the commonly known Kilumi dance although there is a very big difference when it comes to when, where, how and why it is practiced.

The Itheke dance is sang in ceremonies like the kamba wedding ceremony(Nthoki) and other visitations(Ndwae ngone mwaitu) and also for entertainment purposes. The Itheke dance is accompanied by kamba traditional instruments which are well made. These instruments are Drums(ngoma) which are of two types Mukanda and Ngutha. The Mukanda has a rope which is used to tie on the lower abdomen at the hips for stability and the Ngutha is the ngoma which the drummist sits on it while playing. There is also a wind instrument known as mutulilu which is either made from Muangi(the swamp reeds) or using a pipe. It has three holes crafted carefully to produce sound. It is played by blowing air through one hole then the fingers play the other two holes. There is also the fiddle(mbeve), beaded necklaces to produce rhythm, the matheke which are made from iron and in it are small stones or small seeds which produce sound when played. There is also a musical bow with a gourd resonator and taut strung bow (uta). The bow is beaten with a stick to produce a single musical note and the performer sings into the gourd.

The Itheke dance is sang in ceremonies for entertainment purposes and used to describe the behaviour of people. Example in a case where the person is marrying a beautiful girl, the person leading the song may describe the beauty of the lady and if the person is mean they may describe her as mean through the song. It is also used to anticipate for change by pointing out bad things of the society. Furthermore, the people also use itheke to educate people and for cultural preservation. The Itheke dance is danced by people of all age from the from the children to the aged. Women and girls usually likes to tie a rope or a leso on the hypogastrium so as to dance well.

The itheke dance and the Kilumi dance are both kamba traditional dances the difference is that the Kilumi dance was used in special occasions and in sacred ritual ceremonies for spiritual significance, healing special illnesses and cleansing. Both dances are accompanied by special attires if need be.