Almost every tribe in Uganda has a specific aspect that everyone can identify them with. For instance, the long-horned cattle is associated with the Bankyankole; speaking of matooke brings the Baganda to mind; talking of circumcision brings the Bagisu to mind; and so on. Surprisingly, with the Iteso, there’s so much hidden uniqueness that society does not know about them and their beautiful culture, which we are yet to establish as we read on.
When people talk of the Iteso, they usually speak of two things: their strikingly good looks and their exceptional command of the English language. However, nothing of their culture or heritage is brought out to be known by the public, which is truly sad and a bit infuriating. This is why attending the Teso Symposium at Soroti Museum this weekend was such an exhilarating experience.
The Iteso Cultural Union event that kicked off with a fire camp, accompanied by demonstrations of cultural practices that centered around the fireplace, was such a worthwhile experience because, some of the cultural practices like an exhibition of a traditional marriage were unleashed as demonstrations. Such unique demonstrations about the Teso people and their beautiful culture wasn’t being talked about or even known to the general public. Hell, even some Iteso do not.
Nevertheless, out of the demonstrations of cultural practices, one thing that stood out to me was the cultural attire of the Iteso. When you take a moment to think, What is the traditional attire of the Iteso? Nothing comes to mind? Well, as it turns out, it’s as simple as this: the leopard print. Not a specific design of dress, just the leopard print. Any article of clothing can be Teso traditional attire as long as it is in this particular leopard print.
The leopard print signifies bravery, intelligence, and beauty, qualities that I believe are prominent among them. The aspects that immediately bring the Iteso to mind are the graceful leopard and its ability to move in silence and still be one of the most beautiful predators on the continent.
