To support the local Masai community we were invited to visit a village near the campsite. The Masai are a tall, slender race who believe that their ancestors ascended from the sky with dogs, cows, camels and goats. To this day they believe that all the cows in the world belong to them. The number of livestock determines a family’s status. Tribes attack each other in cattle raids much like the Celts did. The Masai have managed to hold on to many of their traditions and cultures. Over 300 people live in this village. The chief is 92 years old and he and the elders manage the community. His son, Sakun, led the visit in full tribal dress.
Chief’s son on the left
We were greeted by a group of village women performing a welcome dance.
We were invited to enter the village through a narrow passageway between two homes. 3 beautiful boys stood at the door of the first house. Naming children is a curious tradition. Whatever the prevailing circumstances at the time of birth defines how a child will be named. So, at present, names like Nokia, Samsung and Obama are commonly chosen!!
The young men train to be warriors at 15/16 years old. They are first circumcised and after a few months recovery they leave the village to go into the wild. There they stay testing their survival skills for 5+ weeks after which they become Morans (warriors). The lion hunt that marked this right of passage is no longer allowed and has been replaced by tribal dances. Some warriors performed part of a tribal dance and each displayed their jumping ability – this is a sign of prowess among the Masai people.
3 things distinguish the Masai from other tribes. Wearing red, removing the 2 front bottom teeth and cutting and stretching boy’s ear lobes. This last one is no longer practiced because a young Masai boy has become a famous footballer – and cut ear lobes are not allowed in this sport.
Children flocked around and were curious. We were told not to give them gifts however they liked getting their photos taken and seeing themselves on camera screen afterwards.
Polygamy is still practiced – but the first marriage is arranged by the family. 8 cows is the standard dowry – given by the husbands family. The women build their own house using cow dung, ash and tree branches. Similar to the Celtic wattle and daub. Inside there a room for small animals, 2 small bedrooms and a kitchen.
The main living area
