The Maasai

The Maasai are fearless. They live in harmony on this land alongside the animals. As Ben told us, the Maasai are not afraid of lions, it is the lions which are afraid of them! We visited a Maasai village in Amboselli. You could see this as a tourist trap, we did paid US$30 per adult and $15 per child, but still it was a fascinating experience to have a glimpse into the lives of these nomadic people. For Ryan, this was even more meaningful as he had read about the life of the Maasai warrior from a book (Facing the Lion, a very good read) Tania had given him a few years ago. When we got there, we were greeted by the Chief’s son who gave us a brief explanation about his village and his people. 20 families live in here, with the most important people being the Chief, the Medicine Man and the Mid-Wife. The Maasai still practice polygamy, each man can have up to five wives, five families. The women are responsible for building the houses and tending to household duties. The men’s main responsibility is their cattle. To the Maasai, their cattle are the most valuable asset they have. Each cow is worth around US$300, so the more cows one owns, the richer and more respected he is. Every morning, they set out and walk for miles with their cattle to find the best feeding grounds, and water source. At dawn, they bring the cows and sheep home and keep them within the protected grounds, keeping them safe from from the wild animals. Still, no where is truly safe here in the wild. Occasionally elephants, lions, cheetahs and other wild animals do break through the barrier and come to hunt their cattle. And that is why, a Maasai warrior always carries his spears and knives, even when he sleeps. 

The Maasai are fiercely proud of their traditions. They have consistently resisted the government’s efforts to “modernise” their lifestyle. While they have adopted some changes, they have mostly still clung on to their traditional way of life. Speaking to the Chief’s son, we were told that about 60% of the children in the village now attend school including the girls. However, upon completion of their education, most of them will continue to live in the village and carry on their duties as has been passed down for generations. As we walked around the village, looking at the men, women and children, you can’t help but feel a sense of contentment in them. 

Ryan and his new warrior friends. 

Welcome dance by the men and women of the village.

My short legs just couldn’t match these beautiful lady’s high jumps! 

“Family photo” (Shad and Ryan with their rungu in hand, a wooden baton traditionally used by Maasai warriors in warfare and hunting).

Inside one of the huts, the walls are made from cow dung, grass and acacia. Each house is shared by a mother and her children. The father rotates among the houses of all his wives. 

Kids found it fascinating watching these guys start a fire.

Success!

The Medicine man’s son (soon to take over from his father who is 80+ old) describing the uses of the different roots and herbs. The Maasai people are only ever taken to hospital if they break a bone or die. For every other illness, they are treated at home by the Medicine man.

Cutie pies

This little boy guarding the gate to stop the sheep from wandering out as he waited for the rest of the village’s sheep to be brought home after their day out grazing. 

Boy and warrior saying goodbye.