Maasai Of Tanzania’s 120 ethnic groups, the Masai are among the best known to the western world due to their distinctive customs and dress, and their residence near some of the greatest collections of wildlife on earth. These traditionally nomadic herders and warriors live in Northern Tanzania and southern Kenya in the vast open spaces of the Great Rift Valley, sometimes called Masailand.

Survivors of a past era, the Masai live much the same way their ancestors did for centuries. Unconcerned about the passing of time, their lives are dictated by the rising and setting of the sun, the rugged landscape and the ever-changing seasons.

Masai cultural encounters are relatively new in Northern Tanzania.

According to Masai legend, Lengai (God) entrusted all the world’s cattle to the Masai for safekeeping when the earth and sky split at the beginning of time. To this day, the Masai believe that all cattle on the  earth essentially belong to them.

The Masai are expert herdsmen, and cattle are central to the lives of a Masai community based on the need to pasture and care for them, the need to protect them, and the need to move with them in search of fresh pasture and water. Virtually all social roles and status in Masai culture derive from the relationship of individuals to their cattle. The animals represent a means of:

A traditional Masai home is called an enkaji, a low, loaf-shaped temporary structure made with branches and twigs overlaid with a “plaster” mixture of soil, cow dung and ash. Although small, an enkaji provides space for sleeping, cooking and some storage. They are usually damp, smoky, cramped for space, dark, and lack security and privacy. They are susceptible to fire, pests and harsh weather. The roof and the walls frequently crack and peel, requiring constant maintenance.

Several enkaji arranged in a circular fashion around a central livestock pen (kraal) create a Masai homestead, or boma which is traditionally shared by more than one family.

The Masai are a truly independent and proud culture with highly developed rituals revolving around age and initiations. Throughout Masai life, almost every rite of passage from birth up to death is greeted with elaborate ceremonies and celebration with many recurring customs. Red is the colour of the Masai. It is the basic colour of the Masai shuka, or red blanket that is often worn around the shoulders by both men and women. Red predominates their beautiful beaded jewelers, and their hair and bodies are smeared with red ochre for various ceremonies.

In Masai culture the women and girls are responsible for building the family hut, taking care of the children, fetching firewood and water, washing clothes, milking cows and preparing the family meals. Masai women are easily recognized by their bright clothing and beaded jeweler and are well known for their beadwork.

Women admire the sound of jeweler and incorporate small dangling pieces of shaped metal to make a soft chiming sound. They wear beaded jeweler around the neck, wrists, legs and through their ears.

Masai men are classed by age into three categories: boys, warriors and elders. Boys transition from herders to warrior and then to elder status, holding varying responsibilities for cattle, protecting and advising the community.

The Masai live in a polygamous family structure, where men have as many wives as they can afford. Wives are purchased with cattle. Children are considered a wonderful asset.

Masai have spoken language, known as Maa, but no written language. Their history is recalled through storytelling.