The Maasai

Figure 1: Map of contemporary Maasai occupation (Source: The Maasai Association)

 

The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania (Figure 1) are one of the most recognizable indigenous ethnic groups of Africa.  Well known for their colorful attire and being some of the foremost long-distance runners chances are you have seen or heard of the Maasai ahead of reading this blog post.  You may not, however, know much about them, which is what this post seeks to remedy.  This post will explore the Maasai people and their culture.

 

The Maasai were and remain one of the largest indigenous ethnic groups in eastern Africa (Figure 2).  They have a long history in the area, tracing their roots back to the Nubian empire.  They have long been characterized as fierce warriors who fight with spears and orinkas (thrown clubs).  This characterization, however, has in large part been promoted by British colonizers, who ultimately could not best the Maasai in combat and instead manipulated them through the British court system.  This led the Maasai to unknowingly and unfairly cede much of their lands and territories to the British, leading them to be relocated to reserve lands throughout Kenya and Tanzania.  Today, the 900,000 Maasai continue to face adversity as the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments attempt to force them to abandon their traditional way of life.  The Maasai have largely rejected these attempts, although small numbers of Maasai have acquiesced.

 

The Maasai share a rich culture.  They remain largely semi-nomadic pastoralists who raise cattle and goats.  They construct temporary dwellings and villages throughout the year.  Women build their homes, which are known as Inkajijik.  These are circular or elongated dwellings that are easily constructed and torn down.  Maasai men are responsible for constructing the Enkang, a circular fence that surrounds the village and protects their cattle and other livestock.  

 

Figure 2: A group of Maasai dressed in traditional attire (Source: Shem Compion)

 

Because of their emphasis on herding animals the Maasai diet is rich in beef, milk, fat, and blood.   Milk is consumed fresh or curdled, and it sometimes mixed with fresh cattle blood.  This concoction is consumed during either rituals or for medicinal purposes. They also consume honey, tree bark, rice, maize, and cabbage, which they gather or grow through horticultural practices. 

 

The Maasai are a very patriarchal society, meaning men rule and control the resources within the group.  They are also characterized as monotheistic, meaning they worship one god.  Their beliefs dictate that only chiefs are buried, while other deceased members of their tribe are left out to decompose and be consumed by scavengers.  Wealth inequalities exist within the group since wealth is tied to the number of children and cattle a man has.  If a man has one but not another (e.g., cattle but no children or children but no cattle) he is considered impoverished.

 

Maasai men and women wear colorful attire that differentiates them by gender, age, and location.  Boys and men will wear black attire for months after they are circumcised.  Red garments are preferred among the Maasai, but they can be found wearing any number of colorful garb.  They often adorn themselves in jewelry.  Men and women also pierce or stretch their ear lobes.

 

Music is also a central part of their cultural traditions.  It is through music they maintain their language, Maa.  They also share their histories, beliefs, and more through music.  Maasai music is rhythmic, involving a chorus singing harmonies and a song leader, called the olaranyani, sings the melody.  This individual is often the individual who sings the song best, meaning this individual can change based on skills, talents, and the song itself.

 

Works Cited

Maasai Association. The Maasai People. No Date. Electronic. 1 April 2025.

Masai Mara Travel. Maasai Tribe. 2025. Electronic. 1 April 2025.

Siyabona Africa (Pty) Ltd. The Maasai Tribe, East Africa. 2024. Electronic. 1 April 2025.

The Wild Co. The Maasai. 2016. Electronic. 1 April 2025.