Oreet

However oreet histories have consequently gained prominence as a means of studying the settlement and formation of the Nandi sub-tribe of the Kalenjin.

The traditional Nandi account is that the first settlers in their country came from Elgon, and formed the Kipoiis clan; a name that possibly means 'the spirits'.

Clan symbols (tiondo) range from birds, wild animals, frog and snake to bees.

The Hyena (Kimageet, oreet of Tungo, korap oor) is claimed to have been the last tiondo to be allocated and comes along with several rules of favour (ostensibly to hide the fact that it was the last).

It comprises two tottems ("tiondo"): Solopchot (cockroach), also known as Mende Keruus and Lelwot (jackal), which was praised as "cherotei keringet agenge en kabula" (believed to be Keppler), which is Oreetab Kibois.

Maasai men performing a traditional jumping dance. Many Maasai were adopted into various Ortinuek during the 19th century