The Wedding Camels

The second instalment of David and Judith MacDougall's Turkana Conversations Trilogy delves into an intricate socio-cultural event involving marriage negotiations within the Turkana community. The focal point revolves around Akai, Lorang's daughter, who is set to marry her friend Kongu. This arrangement should theoretically sail smoothly due to their shared friendship and age group. However, the underlying pressure between both families adds a layer of complexity, particularly in determining the bridewealth - the number and type of animals to be exchanged.Kongu navigates this delicate balance, attempting to present enough animals to appease Lorang and his kin without appearing weak or foolish, or overextending his own family's resources. The negotiations span several days and verge on collapse at times. Crucially, the resolution doesn't solely depend on traditional behavior patterns but also hinges upon the influence exerted by Lorang's wives and how Lorang himself resolves this predicament. This movie offers a profound insight into the Turkana community's societal dynamics and cultural practices, skillfully woven through the lens of an intimate family event.