THE MAASAI PEOPLE IN BRIEF
 

Many have asked this question before. Who are the Maasai people?

Maasai Territory spanning Kenya and Tanzania

History

The Maasai are undoubtedly one of the most famous traditional and cultural people on earth. The Maasai people are a pastoral community who live in Southern Kenya and the northern parts of Central Tanzania. The Maasai people are believed to have lived in east Africa for over 3,000 years. Historical evidence suggests that at the close of the 19th century, the Maasai arrived at their present location as the result of mass migration southwards along the river Nile.

Some historians argue that the Maasai immigrated to Kenya from Ethiopia. Others suggest that since the Maasai were Nilotic-speaking people, they must have come from Sudan where most Nilotic-speaking people are found. While some of this information may be true, the Maasai have their own oral history and archaeological records of their origin. Passing of word is still the means by which the Maasai share their beliefs, traditions, and education with their children. Kilepu Tendikirr (coming up the hill) is the phrase that is used by any Maasai when they start talking about their immigration process. There is evidence that the Maasai followed the Great Rift Valley to their present location. The Maasai live in arid and semi-arid region.

The Maasai have always been very special tribe. Their fine bright red robes and magnificent beaded work always set them apart from other tribes. They are courageous and very calm. Their traditional outfits have become the recognized symbol of Kenya. There are about 40 varieties of beadwork. Traditionally, beadwork is done by the women but worn by women, men and children. There are three major colors used in the Maasai beadwork: red, blue and green. Red is the color of the Maasai people. Blue is the color of the sky that symbolizes a dwelling place of gods. Green reflects fresh grass, which is considered a blessing from the gods.

Beadwork is also very important for the Maasai ceremonies. The type of beadwork used can play a big role even in communication. One of the most popular necklaces worn by Maasai women is a large flat disc that surrounds the neck. It is made up of rows of beads threaded onto very thin wire on a cowhide strip.

Economy

Agriculture is the main and largest source of income in Kenya followed by tourism.
This has caused a major challenge for the Maasai. Their land is being tremendously reduced. The population is growing and the government has stolen much of the land the Maasai need to graze their native cattle, and turn this land into game parks and government-run farms. While the government reaps the benefits of these wildlife parks through tourism in Maasailand, the native people continue to live in extreme poverty.

The Maasai economy depends on cattle and beadwork. The Maasai people are herdsmen. Cattle are not only central to the Maasai economy, they are also the subject of mystical beliefs and reverence. These animals are rarely killed. They are raised to be sold to meet the basic needs of the family. There is a story in Maasai culture that tells of a time when the earth and heavens used to be together. God of the Maasai called Enkai, separated the earth and heavens and because of a close ties Enkai had with the Maasai, she decided to bless the Maasai with many cows, goats and sheep. To the Maasai, cattle are sacred and a direct gift from the heavens.

Maasai make beautiful beadwork and sell them in local markets. Some of these crafts are sold to other Africans, but mostly to the tourists from all over the world.

Religion

Most Maasai are traditionalists in their way of worship. The Maasai people believe in a god called Enkai who is referred to as a she-god. The Maasai people believe Enkai dwells up above. There are special mountains that are still sacred to the Maasai people. The Maasai call rain Enkai. Rain is very important to the Maasai people because it grows fresh grass in which will feed and increase the Maasai cattle.

The Maasai still sacrifice to the god Enkai. They will kill a lamb in the middle of the village during disaster such as severe drought as an act of worship. The Oloiboni is the most powerful man in the Maasai community. He is a diviner and a spiritual leader in the community. Loibon is a Maasai prophet and a foreseer. Several Loibons in the past predicted the coming of the British Empire. Loibons are normally briefed of any activity in the community and most of the time is consulted whenever misfortune arises. Their decisions are final and are not negotiable. The Maasai people respect the Loibon more than the head of state. Loibons also serve as healers dispensing their herbal remedies to treat physical ailment and ritual treatment to absolve social and moral transgressions in the community.

Christianity is the fastest growing religion in Kenya. It is strongly opposed by those of the Muslim religion, which is spreading rapidly from Tanzania.

Maasai are often portrayed as unique people who have not forgotten the importance of the past and their way of life. Their knowledge of traditional ways of healing, their own governing system and their way of settling disputes through council of elders, has earned them much respect even from the west.