 Masai and I
The Maasai People
The Maasai [mah SY], an African people numbering about 250,000, live on the open plains or savannahs of eastern Africa, in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Historically they are known for their courage as warriors and their nomadic lifestyle. As nations were established and modern cities grew up around them, the Maasai held to the tribal traditions described here for many decades. But in recent years many have begun to settle on farms or seek education and jobs in cities. Cattle are the Maasai's most valuable possessions, central to their economy.
Boys and young men become warriors by raiding cattle and killing lions. Gifts of
cattle are given before weddings. Maasai girls often have marriages arranged by
their fathers before they are born. They learn to build houses, raise children,
and grow corn and sorghum.
Africa Brothers and Sisters by Virginia Kroll Africa Calling by Daniel Adlerman Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema It takes a Village by Jane Cowen-Fletcher Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi Joshua's Masai Mask by Dakari Hru |
Related Activity
 Create a Maasai wedding necklace Links
For more on the Maasai of today, including lots of photos: |
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