The Masai tribe are located in Kenya and Tanzania. Most are being assimilated into modern Africa but deep in the heart of Masai country there are many clans that have resisted modern ways and are clinging to their ancient traditions. We have learned about the custom of removing a front lower tooth at about the age of ten and of other scaring that brand them as Masai. We have learned about the ceremonies of circumcision at about age 15 for males and female castration at the same age. The ceremony for males continues today but it is now illegal for the female castration, although sorrily it is still quite prevalent.
The Masai are polygamists, in the village we visited the chief has 3 wives and 15 children. The first wife is chosen by the the husbands father and the wife is paid for in cows. Future wives are chosen by the husband.
The women build their mud huts, and yes they still do live in them. They women ‘Remud’ them every two to 3 weeks to keep them in good shape. They do the cooking, the milking and the childcare and the men tend the cattle and goat herds. They wear their traditional dress all the time. Their faces are unlined and they appear happy. They sing while they work. We watched them grind corn , two women with a large heavy wood pestle alternating the pounding while singing a rhythmic song. I gave it a try and had difficulty keeping the rhythm with the heavy pestle. They women do intricate beadwork, and basket weaving. From my view point the women do almost all the work while the men watch over the live stock and provide security for the livestock and the village. They no longer hunt as hunting wild animals is illegal. And folks who are found poaching just seam to disappear and are never seen or heard from again.
We watched the men dance and were amazed at the heights they spring straight up to. The women have a shoulder shaking rhythm they do, not a shimmy but more of a shrug which is quite effective with the large beaded collars they wear.
The children are now being educated up to the 7th grade as this chief is progressive. Children who pass exams can go on to secondary school. The school is located about a two hour walk away from the village and walking is the only transportation. I’m glad the children are being educated but I believe that education will also end up being the demise of village life as they know it now. Another fascinating day.
Signing off KO
Zihuatanejo 