Maasai Lifestyle: 6 Natural Elements of Utmost Importance
Exploring the natural elements that hold importance in Maasai rituals and ceremonies
The Maasai Lifestyle
Traditionally, the Maasai's are monotheist and believe in one God- the Engai. They believe that Engai is creator of everything. Owing to a pastoralist lifestyle, many natural elements are part of the religious ceremonies or rituals that the Maasai perform. They are said to be a gift or symbol of Engai.
#1. Milk
Milk is associated with women and fertility. It is sprinkled on the ground at the beginning of each milking. It is also sprinkled on humans from a calabash with grass in its mouth for blessing, and is offered to families and guests to enjoy.
#2: Wild Fig Tree
The wild fig tree is called oreti or oreteti by the Maasai, and apart from its mundane use as the raw material for bark cloth, it is given a primary role in rituals. According to the myths, Engai sent down the cattle from the sky to the Maasai by means of the aerial roots of the sacred wild fig tree The cosmological significance in the light of the cattle myth is obvious, though its size, shape, sturdiness and long life also epitomise an ideal of life. It is sung about in dances and invoked in prayers and blessings as a symbol of life.
#3: Spit
For the Maasai, to spit on a person, usually their head or hands, is a way to bless them or express reverence. Newborns are spat on, generally by their mother, elders spat into the hands of juniors to bless them and ritual participants often spat a mixture of milk and water on the person who was being honored, or blessed.
#4: Honey
Honey signifies the sweetness of Engai. The Maasai brew honey beer on special occassions. It is also often spat on people as a sign of blessing.
#5: Blood
Blood of a cattle hold is mixed with milk and drunk in most of the rituals and ceremonies. A particular vein in the neck of the cattle is pierced by the Moran, Maasai warriors, and the blood is collected in a calabash (a vessel made from gourd).
#6: Grass
Grass is a sign of welcome and peace. It is often held in the hands, tied as a sprig to one’s clothing, placed in the neck of a calabash, or draped on someone’s shoulders as they are being blessed.
Project FUEL would like to thank the Maasai community in the Losimingori village of Arusha, Tanzania for opening their hearts and home to this research.
This exhibit is part of the Wise Wall Project, an initiative of Project FUEL, to document, design, and strengthen the wisdom of rural communities and marginalized villages using art and community outreach programs. In the third edition of this project, we collaborated with the Maasai, in Arusha, Tanzania, to build an on-ground community centre for the people and bring an exclusive insight into the life, lifestyle, and learnings of this inspiring community.
Illustrations: Advithi Emmi
Research, Interviews and Curation: Project FUEL
Project Partners: Vijana Inspiring Foundation, Vikram Solar Ltd., Lions Club of Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Google Arts & Culture
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