Maasai Beliefs and Legends
Discover the traditional folklore, beliefs, and legends of the Maasai people
Maasai MoransNational Museums of Kenya
Maasai beliefs
The Maasai community of Kenya traditionally believed in God (referred to as Enkai), and that God created the earth with three groups of people...
SpearNational Museums of Kenya
1. The Torrobo
The Torrobo were hunters and depended on honey and wild animals.
Digging knifeNational Museums of Kenya
2. The Kikuyus
The Kikuyus were farmers and depended on agriculture.
Cow BellNational Museums of Kenya
3. The Maasai
The Maasai depended on cattle for food, clothing and shelter.
The Maasai Hunters by Zachariah MbuthaNational Museums of Kenya
It is said that the Maasai originated to earth by sliding down from a rope linked to heaven.
Senteu: The Great Warrior (Maasai community) (2019) by Shujaa StoriesNational Museums of Kenya
Legends of the Maasai
Other known legends and folklore tales include the story of Olenana, who deceived his father to obtain the blessing reserved for his older brother Senteu.
Medicinal toolNational Museums of Kenya
Spiritual leaders
Spiritual leaders, known as Oloiboni or Loibon, were common in each Maasai family. Oloiboni had mystical as well as medicinal healing powers. They predicted the future and healed people from physical, mental and spiritual illnesses.
Medicine HornNational Museums of Kenya
They were in charge of the rituals, led the community in sacrifices, officiated ceremonies, and advised elders on spiritual aspects. They were also prophets, shamans and seers. Pictured here is a horn with a leather lid. It was used by a Loibon to store medicine.
Explore more
Learn about the communities of Kenya
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.