The marvellous Maasai tribe

The incredible Maasai have lived in Tanzania and Kenya for many hundreds of years. Despite our rapidly developing world, the Maasai live a simple life and even enjoy an increasing population!

1. ‘People who speak Maa’

The Maasai language is one of speech not written word. The Maasai even named themselves after their language! Maasai means ‘people who speak Maa’. 

2. Measuring wealth in cows

Westerners will often measure wealth through expensive sports cars, watches or holidays. For Maasai men, their cows are their most prized possessions. A herd of cattle show wealth to other Maasai and cows are vital to their lifestyle. The cow’s milk, meat, cheese and blood contributes to the Maasai diet. Clothes and mattresses are made from cowhide and even their homes are made from cow dung!

3. Fans of sustainable farming

Many countries overwork their farming land and sustainable farming can be seen to be slow on the uptake. The Maasai however operate a seasonal rotation through their semi-nomadic lifestyles. This ensures they always have green pastures for all their livestock.

4. Lion hunters

In the past, young Maasai men would single handedly kill a lion using only a spear as a weapon. This would prove themselves as a warrior to the tribe. This has now been outlawed in East Africa but the bravery of the Maasai is still revered.

5. The jumping dance

Otherwise known as the adamu, the jumping dance is a show of strength and power for the Maasai men. The young Maasai men will gather in a semicircle and take it in turn to jump as high in the air as they can. Not only is it a show of strength but also helps to attract their future wives!