By Devaa Ramalingam – Art in Tanzania intern
The Maasai people are very proud of their culture and do not want to succumb to Western modernisation in the digital age. They are believed to have migrated from northwestern Kenya in the 15th century. Over the years, they spread out and settled in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Today, the tribe has a population of over 2 million people.
In the Maasai culture old men are the leaders, they run everything in this tribe. These men determine the way they are to be ruled. These men have absolute power over the women and children in the society. Unlike many other tribes, the Maasai worship a single god, Enkai. Enkai has a dual nature- Enkai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Enkai Na-nyokie (Red God) is vengeful. There are also two totems in Maasai society: Oodo Mongi, the Red Cow, and Orok Kiteng, the Black Cow, with a subdivision into five clans or family trees.
Mbatian is the Greatest Spiritual Leader of the Maasai. For around 200 years, the Maasai were ruled by spiritual leaders known as Laibons. Although little is known about the origin of their ritual power, it is believed to have been passed down through generations of the old Supeet family dynasty.
A Laibon held the highest place in the social hierarchy of the Maasai. Laibon’s position was not political, but he wielded supreme influence and power through his role as chief medicine man, diviner, and prophet of the people. When people desire a spiritual connection or need it to rain, they should talk to the Laibon.
The Maasai people heavily rely on cattle products. They are well-known for their consumption of cow milk. They also consume raw blood, taken directly from a cow. They find a vein, cut it open, and take the blood while. They claim it’s very nutritious for them, and that’s why they have been doing it for years now. Generally, they rely heavily on cattle products, as they also consume a significant amount of beef.
The Maasai are well-known for their art of body modification, including the practice of elongating ears, lobes, and lips. All these modifications are done at a young age, and they use thorns, twigs, and stones to create the whole effect on the body. So, as they grow, the whole also grows, and modifications change accordingly. So, it’s not as painful as it looks! They are also very well known for their colourful and artistic jewellery and the dance they do with all the costumes on.
