“Only a stone is stationary”…
~ Kamba saying
THE MYTH
THE ORIGIN STORY
In the midst of a vast and untamed forest, where people ventured in search of firewood, an extraordinary tale unfolds. Three young girls, adorned in animal skins and embellished with beads, embarked on a firewood gathering task for their families. As they ventured deeper into the forest, one of the girls noticed a peculiar rounded rock, about the size of a fist, which captivated her. Intrigued, she picked it up and tucked it safely against her chest, envisioning its usefulness as a tool for pounding tobacco, an ideal gift for her grandparents.
Meanwhile, the other two girls continued collecting firewood, unaware of the passage of time. When they eventually retraced their steps, they stumbled upon a massive and unfamiliar rock, previously unseen. To their shock and horror, it seemed to have enveloped their friend, leaving only her head visible, still able to speak and plea for help.
As the sun began to set, and the wild animals of the forest made their presence known, the two girls realized the urgency of seeking assistance. They hurriedly rushed to their friend's home, recounting the harrowing events to her family. Together, guided by the two girls, they hastened to the spot where their young friend had last been seen.
Faced with the incomprehensible situation, the family returned to the village, seeking the wisdom of the elders. After solemn deliberation, the village elders armed themselves with a black sheep and returned to the site, performing a sacrificial ritual to appease the ancestors. Sadly, their efforts proved futile.
Undeterred, the next day, the villagers revisited the location where their young girl had vanished. Instead of finding her, they encountered an enlarged rock, devoid of any trace of her head. She had undergone a profound transformation. From that moment onward, she was known as Nzambaa, forever etched in the legends of the land.
A TRANSFOMATION
In a time long ago, a young boy nurtured a profound desire to embrace womanhood. Seeking guidance on the path to this transformation, he approached the wise village elders, eager to receive their counsel.
After careful contemplation, the elders imparted their instructions: the boy must circumnavigate the sacred rock seven times, strictly adhering to an anti-clockwise direction. They emphasized that this ritual could only be performed between sunrise and sunset.
With determination in his heart, the young boy embarked on his quest the next morning, steadfast in his pursuit.
As dusk settled upon the village that very same day, a remarkable occurrence unfolded. A young girl emerged, returning to the village in place of the boy, for he had ceased to exist, forever transformed by the mysterious power of the rock.