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Massai Tribal Culture

My trip to Tanzania was phenomenal.  Spending a night with a Maasai tribe, was an unforgettable, educational experience. From the moment that we were greeted by the entire tribe, the Chief provided us with amenities that made us feel welcome inside the boma.
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Maasai traditions

Maasai are one of the very few tribes who have retained most of their traditions, lifestyle and lore.

 

 

 

 

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Adamu

Maasai are well-known for the adamu, or jumping dance. During this ritual, young Maasai men gather in a semicircle while rhythmically chanting in unison; then, each takes a turn stepping in front of the group, and jumping several times straight up in the air, as high as he can.

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Dancing women

During a ceremony, women form a circle while chanting.  Maasai women wear brightly colored clothing, shaved heads, with handmade white beaded neck adornments.

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Boma Chief with two wifes, two children

The Maasai people don't live in villages. Instead, they live in family compounds called bomas. A boma is a homestead headed by one male, consisting of houses for each of his wives and their children. 

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Haircuting

Within the boma men cut each others hair as they begin their day.

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Children takes sheep and goats to pasture

The Maasai diet traditionally relies on the milk, blood, and meat of their livestock, the tribe’s hunting of game was limited and non-disruptive to the larger ecosystem.

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Children attending school in the Boma

Because of the vital role that children play  within the boma, school is participated in shifts.  Endowments are a big reason why women are less likely to afford schooling.

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Maasi women

Everyone in the bona has responsibilities.  The women's role is building and maintaining a hut. She must also maintain a fire and cook.

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Children inside the boma

Older children care for younger children while mother cooks, milk goats and gather firewood.

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The Eunoto ceremony

The Eunoto ceremony is a vital male rites of passage ceremony that is performed every generation (every 20 years) to mark the important transition of morans (Maasai warriors) entering into manhood.

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Maasai traditions

Maasai are one of the very few tribes who have retained most of their traditions, lifestyle and lore. 

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Symbolic Color of Maasai Warriors

The most iconic Maasai garment today is the shuka—a woven, thick cotton blanket, usually red with a striped or checked pattern in blue or black, which is worn wrapped around the body.

To schedule an appointment to discuss an assignment, or to see more images from this collection, for purchase contact:  
michael@mjkirkland.com  1-630-6066701

All images are copyrighted and property of

CPP Michael J. Kirkland, Photographer for mjkirklandimages and mjkirkland.com

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