Essay On Maasai Culture

The Maasai people are a diverse people, full of history and culture. Reigning out of Kenya and northern Tanzania, they live a semi-nomadic life rooted in ritual and tradition. One very important part of their culture is their masks, that are used for many things. These masks are very important to the past and present Maasai warriors, that hold their culture to their heart. One distinct thing about the Maasai peoples’ mask is their distinctive use of warm colors, like reds and oranges. In other masks, feathers and appliques are used. Alternatively, face paint is used for other occasions like weddings. While the Maasai people use masks and face paint for many different practical reasons, like ceremonies and protection, some masks are simply used for decoration. The Maasai people use oral communication to pass down their rich history. According to siyabona.com, Maasai have their own language, Maa, as well as speak the languages of Kenya and Tanzania, English and Swahili. There are an estimated 900,000 Maasai people today, carrying on age-old customs. One of these customs is Maasai warriors. Any young man in a Maasai community is a warrior. According to bush-adventures.com, “warriors… are in charge of protecting livestock from predators and …show more content…
After the Emorata circumcision ceremony, the new warriors spend up to 8 months dancing and celebrating as they heal. Another classic tradition in Maasai culture is the jumping dance. This unique game is used to decide who will court and mate with who. Whoever jumps the highest gets the most mating partners to choose from. According to gadventures.com, “song-and-dance-filled Maasai celebrations last for days on end, and offer an opportunity to bring people together and assemble members of the different clans from around the region.” These gatherings are as important to them as American traditions, like Thanksgiving, are to