A traditional Gikuyu woman, like any other human being, passed through various stages of life as she grew up from childhood to old age.
Below are 10 names that the traditional Gikuyu woman went by as she grew from childhood to ripe age.
1. 'Kaana': A girl child upon birth was identified as 'kaana' till she was around five years old.
2. 'Karigu': This was young girl who was yet to be circumcised. She was innocent at this stage but her body had started to take a figure a full-grown woman.
3. 'Kirigu': This was a big girl who had begun to be naughty but not yet circumcised. She had begun to get exposed on many issues as she prepared for adulthood.
4. 'Muiritu': This was a big girl after circumcision but not yet married. Suitors have already begun to show interest in her and perhaps talks on her dowry payment may at this stage be on high gear.
5. 'Muhiki': This is a woman in her first year of marriage and is expected to get her maiden pregnancy at this level. If she doesn't, people will start to point fingers at her while raising endless questions.
6. 'Muhiki wa Rwara Rumwe': Woman with only one child.
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7. 'Mutumia wa Kang'ei': She is an older married woman whom at this stage could be allowed to join a wedding dance when food is being taken to the village of the bridegroom.
8. 'Mutumia wa Nyakinyua': This was an old woman with at least three circumcized girls or boys. This woman was entitled to drink beer during various ceremonies where drinking was allowed.
9. 'Mutumia wa Makanga': This was a woman past menopause and childbearing but was still sexually active.
10. 'Kiheti': This is an old woman who can barely leave her homestead. She is widely reliant on her children or grandchildren to go about her daily chores. This is the kind that would often ask, "nûû wî nja nyume?" (who is at the courtyard I get out?).