Five fascinating things about the Maasai
The Maasai are among very few tribes in the world that have done an incredible job in retaining their culture and traditions. This tribe from East Africa, predominantly found in the Northern parts of Tanzania as well as Northern, Central and Southern Kenya is known for its food, culture among other things. Here’s crucial things to know about the Maasai.
The Rubega
To the outside world, the rubega is likely the first point of contact with anything related to Maasai. Rubega is world famous and has transcended well-beyond the Maasai, it is now more of a symbol of African culture; collectively. In Maasai traditions, the rubega carries identity.The striking red, often mixed with blue, black, or checked patterns, is believed to symbolize strength, unity, and protection. For the Maasai, it is not merely about fashion—it is about belonging.
Shelter
The Maasai live in Inkajijik (maasai word for a house), made of mud, sticks, grass, and cow dung, usually arranged in a circular fashion. These houses are built by women, highlighting their central role in family life. The houses are usually enclosed in boma (kraals), according to different sources the fence around the kraal is made of acacia thorns to ward off predators especially lions.
Food
For the Maasai,milk, meat, and even blood from cows form the backbone of their diet. Fresh blood mixed with milk is traditionally consumed during ceremonies or given to the sick as a source of strength. Cow’s blood is also used by elders to alleviate intoxication and hangovers. The climate changes and other factors have pushed the Maasai to adopt and introduce food such as maize and rice, some Maasai are forced to farming; Maasai believe that tiling the land for crop farming is a crime against nature.
Religion
The Maasai traditionally believe in Enkai (or Engai), a divine God who is both benevolent and vengeful. Engai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Engai Na-nyokie (Red God) is vengeful. As it is with many other cultures and languages, the Maasai God has many other names including Oloikurrukur- “my thundering one”, Magilani- “Powerful knowing one, Olaidimani- “one who is able”, Natii ilakir- “where there are stars”. While Christianity has spread within Maasai communities over the years, many still hold tightly to their ancestral beliefs and spiritual practices.
Medicine
The Maasai are known for traditional medicine. The tribe has a vast knowledge of herbs, roots, and barks of indigenous plants that can be used to treat different ailments. Said knowledge is passed down orally from elders to the younger generation. The Maasai combine modern healthcare and their traditional remedies in areas where modern healthcare is accessible.
The Maasai community covers some beautiful landscapes with tourist attractions. You can find them around the Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro Mountain as well as Serengeti. Visiting any of these places gets you access to witnessing one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. Get in touch to plan your next adventure with us.
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Tanzania Tourist Board Tanzania National Parks Serengeti National Park visitngorongoro UNESCO National Geographic Society World Travel & Tourism Council Let’s Discover Africa Ltd.
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