Ethnic
Group spotlight: Maasai tribe
Group spotlight: Maasai tribe
There
are several tribes in Kenya, but one that is often recognized worldwide as a
symbol of Kenyan culture is the Maasai tribe. Maasai men and women often live
nomadic lifestyles that involve farming and cattle rearing. In this tribe,
social rank and status is based on two primary things: livestock and children.
If a man has ample livestock and several children, he is seen as a man of high
social status. A man that has one of these things but not the other, is perceived
to be in the same class as a man with no children or livestock. For Maasai men,
livestock is more than just status or rank. In most cases, all of the Maasai’s
needs, for food, are met by the livestock they tend to and the crops they
harvest. They eat the cattle meat, drink
the milk and on occasion the blood, reuse the skin and eat what they grow.
are several tribes in Kenya, but one that is often recognized worldwide as a
symbol of Kenyan culture is the Maasai tribe. Maasai men and women often live
nomadic lifestyles that involve farming and cattle rearing. In this tribe,
social rank and status is based on two primary things: livestock and children.
If a man has ample livestock and several children, he is seen as a man of high
social status. A man that has one of these things but not the other, is perceived
to be in the same class as a man with no children or livestock. For Maasai men,
livestock is more than just status or rank. In most cases, all of the Maasai’s
needs, for food, are met by the livestock they tend to and the crops they
harvest. They eat the cattle meat, drink
the milk and on occasion the blood, reuse the skin and eat what they grow.
For
Maasai people, music consists of rhythm provided by a chorus of vocalists
singing harmonies while a song leader sings the melody. Many songs are in call
and response form and young, single Maasai men and women seize cultural
celebrations and gatherings as opportunities to flirt and select future mates.
Maasai people, music consists of rhythm provided by a chorus of vocalists
singing harmonies while a song leader sings the melody. Many songs are in call
and response form and young, single Maasai men and women seize cultural
celebrations and gatherings as opportunities to flirt and select future mates.
As
pictured above, the Maasai people wear vibrant garb and are notorious for their
handmade bead jewelry. Maasai women often articulate their identity and
position in society through body ornaments and body painting. Beads were
originally made from materials like clay, shells, bone, iron, charcoal, seeds,
wood and brass.
pictured above, the Maasai people wear vibrant garb and are notorious for their
handmade bead jewelry. Maasai women often articulate their identity and
position in society through body ornaments and body painting. Beads were
originally made from materials like clay, shells, bone, iron, charcoal, seeds,
wood and brass.
Tourism
Mount
Kenya
is great for challenging hikes on high peaks
Kenya
is great for challenging hikes on high peaks
Lake
Victoria
is known as African’s largest lake and the second largest fresh water body lake
Victoria
is known as African’s largest lake and the second largest fresh water body lake
Nairobi
National Park
is a great option to see wildlife for those in the city with restricted time
National Park
is a great option to see wildlife for those in the city with restricted time
Masai
Mara National park
is probably the most popular reserve in Kenya due to the high concentration of
large cats
Mara National park
is probably the most popular reserve in Kenya due to the high concentration of
large cats
Tsavo
West National park
is a popular destination on account of its magnificent scenery, Mzima Springs,
rich and varied wildlife, good road system, rhino reserve, rock climbing
potential and guided walks along the Tsavo River.
West National park
is a popular destination on account of its magnificent scenery, Mzima Springs,
rich and varied wildlife, good road system, rhino reserve, rock climbing
potential and guided walks along the Tsavo River.
Famous
Kenyans
Kenyans
 |
Lupita
Nyong’o- Academy Award winning actress and film maker |
 |
Barack
Obama- 44th President of the United States of America |
 Image:
Tuko |
Keino
Kipchoge- Olympic Athlete |
 Image:
Taking Root |
Wangari
Maathai – Environmental and Political Activist |
 Image:
Sina |
Catherine
Ndereba- World and Olympic Marathon Runner |
