Maasai Warriors Arriving at Eunoto Ceremony (1995) by Carol Beckwith & Angela FisherAfrican Ceremonies
Meet the Maasai
The Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic community in Kenya, internationally known for their distinctive culture, rituals, 'high jumping dance', custom dress, and being courageous warriors.
Eunoto CeremonyNational Museums of Kenya
Eunoto ceremony: from boy to warrior
Upon circumcision boys graduate to young warriors, popularly known as Morans (Ilmurran).
Maasai MoransNational Museums of Kenya
The Eunoto ceremony, at which boys become warriors, is held every 10-15 years, and marks a new age-set.
Charging Maasai Warriors (1995) by Carol Beckwith & Angela FisherAfrican Ceremonies
Maasai warriors are known for being strong and courageous. They protect their cattle and community with long spears and buffalo skin shields, which are decorated in red, white and black dye.
Maasai Weaponry by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya
The Maasai warriors traditionally have braided hair, which is dyed with red ochre. They wear beaded necklaces, ornaments and capes (shukas) made of cowhide.
Maasai Warrior by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya
A Maasai warrior is portrayed here wearing a Imotonyi headdress, symbolizing that he has been circumcised. The headdress is made of ostrich feathers and cow skin. He is holding a spear and shield.
Maasai Warrior Headdress by Joy AdamsonNational Museums of Kenya
This Maasai warrior is likely to have killed a lion. He is wearing a headdress made of a lions mane, symbolizing his bravery.
Maasai Dance-Eunoto CeremonyNational Museums of Kenya
Jumping dance
Maasai warriors are famous for their singing and 'jumping dance.' A sign of strength and to impress the unmarried women, the warriors compete to jump the highest.
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