The Traditions of the Maasai

The Maasai are one of the oldest communities in the world. A formerly nomadic society, they are now a pastoral community residing in parts of Tanzania and Kenya.

The community is culturally rich and proud carriers of the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. During a research study, we spoke to many community members and documented their traditions.

These traditions were conceptualised in artworks by India-based artist Advithi Emmi and hand painted on canvas that were gifted back to the community.

Maasai children at a young age generally don’t have any social obligations. Young boys sometimes help their mothers in taking care of sheep and goats, while girls are absorbed into household chores.

However, in their free time, the children will be seen running around and amusing themselves while playing games.

One such game is Aulengisidori (Hide and Seek in Maa language). Inspired by their playfulness, we drew the children on this canvas playing their favourite game.

This canvas was inspired by a proverb that goes- “The bell rings to tell the cow she can continue to eat but there is no bell to tell you when to stop.” 

The proverb, shared by Lobodlo, could come to mean that there is no external reminder or stop signal for us to know when to end certain actions, and we must rely on self-discipline and control to regulate our behavior.

This artwork depicts a form of footwear that is a popular choice amongst Morans (Maasai warriors), for its as it is durability. Made out of tyres, this footwear is comfortable and suitable for a Moran's lifestyle.

Zebidayo is a young man who makes footwear out of rubber tyres and sells them in Nanja market in Arusha, Tanzania. He shared that this footwear not only helps in recycling old tyres but is also sustainable and can last up to 5 years.

This footwear is now a popular choice amongst not only the Maasai but also many tourists. To make them more attractive, many people now add beadwork to their footwear.

Traditionally, in Maasai culture, to spit on a person (usually their head or hands) or a thing was to bless them or express reverence. Newborns were spat on constantly, elders spat into the hands of juniors to bless them and ritual participants often spat a mixture of milk and water on whoever was being honoured, or blessed.

Now, with the change of time, the elders bless the younger Maasai by patting them on their heads. The young also approach the elders in reverence, seeking their blessings.

The Morans are warriors in a Maasai society. From a very young age, they are trained to become warriors by taking on responsibilities.

In an interview, Kakachi Ole Chakai, a former Moran, shared how he trains his sons to become Moran through various activities like catching an untied cow in a fenced boma, lifting a cow by its horns and going very long distances to drop a cattle and bring another one back.

This, according to Kakachi, shows a sign of maturity.