They are some of the fastest long distance runners on the planet. They are also one of the tallest amongst the human race. They even have a wildlife wonder named after them. They are the Maasai people, a Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting Kenya and Tanzania. Famous for their fearsome reputations as warriors and cattle herders, they are a nomadic and semi nomadic group of people whose origins point to the lower Nile valley north of Lake Turkana in North Kenya. Today, they are spread all across Kenya and Tanzania and are especially concentrated around the game reserves.
This patriarchal tribe is steeped in rich traditions and customs and in spite of rampant modernisation and increasing influence of tourism, they have somehow managed to keep their traditions alive. This photo story aims at showcasing a bit of their colorful life, amusing customs, fashion and their day to day living.
Above photo: The Maasai warrior who jumps the highest is allowed to choose the prettiest bride. This dance called Adumu is primarily performed during Eonoto, the coming of age ceremony of warriors.
Above photo: The Maasai men love the color red. This is the color they usually don unless they have had circumcision when they wear black. Some wear some patterns, but that would also be dominated by red. Colorful beads complete the daily fashion ensemble for them.
Above photo: The Maasai women are extremely hard working and do everything from taking care of children, cooking, jewellery making, singing and dancing during important events, collecting wood from the forest, stone cutting, house building, cattle rearing and much more.
Above photo: A traditional Maasai hut is made up of natural materials that keep it dry and cool. The materials are mud, stick and animal dung. These days, they also use plastic for waterproofing.
Above photo: Even though the Maasai people have embraced modern style of living, they have not let go of their ancient traditions. This is how they create fire the traditional way.
Above photo: The Maasai people visit the forest every day and this is an example of a Maasai woman carrying firewood for her daily needs.
Above photo: Lions and the Maasai people are part of the same storyline. Since they mutually share the same territory, you can see a lot of lion related stories in their customs. This is a trumpet made of the horn of the greater Kudu that is blown to signal the capture of a lion.
Above photo: Rich use of colors, beadwork, plaited hair and body modification adorn the young Maasai warriors.
Above photo: This is how a traditional Maasai home looks. It is easy to set up and easy to leave. Works perfectly with their semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Above photo: A mix of tradition and modern day life. Maasai gentlemen having a get together under the shade of a tree.
Above photo: The Maasai warrior who jumps the highest is allowed to choose the prettiest bride. This dance called Adumu is primarily performed during Eonoto, the coming of age ceremony of warriors. Spread over ten or more days, this includes parading of the girls in their spectacular costumes, the mothers singing and the young warriors participating in a competitive jumping exercise.
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