The Maasai (/ˈmɑːsaɪ, mɑːˈsaɪ/) are a Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting northern, central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are among the best known local populations internationally due to their residence near the many game parks of the African Great Lakes, and their distinctive customs and dress.
Where did the Maasai tribe originated from?
According to the tribe’s own oral history, the Maasai tribe originated north of Lake Turkana (north-west Kenya) in the lower Nile Valley. They began migrating south in the 15th century and arrived in the long trunk of land stretching across central Tanzania and Northern Kenya during the 17th and 18 century.
Why are Maasai so tall?
#3 The Maasai belong to the tallest people in the world
It’s because of their rich calcium diet that they are so tall. They seem taller because of their world famous high jumps. It’s not just random jumping. It’s called ‘Adamu’ and carries a deeper meaning.
Did the Maasai originate from Egypt?
A semi-nomadic Nilotic group believed to originate from Egypt, the Maasai are predominantly pastoralists but practice small-scale agriculture in some places. They are one of the youngest ethnic groups in Tanzania, having followed the Nile River down through Kenya before reaching Tanzania roughly 300 years ago.
Which part of Africa did the Maasai live?
The Maasai people live in the African countries of Kenya and Tanzania. Their traditional way of life is centered on cattle. For more than 400 years, the Maasai have lived a lifestyle based around their cattle herds.
What is the difference between Masai and Maasai?
Maasai (not Masai) is the correct spelling of this noble tribe: it means people speaking maa. Masai was the incorrect spelling of the British settlers and has remained in current use. The Maasai have always been special. Their bright red robes set them apart visually.
How many wives can a Maasai have?
Girls belonging to the first group are allowed to have sexual relationships with young morans, as a matter of fact, each girl can have up to three lovers, one of them will be chosen as a favourite, whereas the other two will take his place when he is outside the village or unavailable.
Why do Maasai wear red?
Red is the most important color; symbolizing courage, bravery, and strength. The Maasai also believe that red scares off predators like lions even at long distances. Red also represents unity within the Maasai culture because livestock are slaughtered when communities come together in celebration.
What are the Maasai famous for?
The Maasai inhabit the African Great Lakes region and arrived via the South Sudan. Most Nilotic speakers in the area, including the Maasai, the Turkana and the Kalenjin, are pastoralists, and are famous for their fearsome reputations as warriors and cattle-rustlers.
What religion are the Maasai?
Maasai Religion: The Maasai people are monotheistic, and their God is named Engai or Enkai, a God who is mostly benevolent and who manifests himself in the form of different colors, according to the feelings he is experiencing.
Are Maasai Israelites?
The Maasai – mainly located in Kenya and Tanzania – is one of the groups where claims are being made about an historical relation to the ancient Israelites.
What form of marriage do the Maasai practice?
Marriage. Marriages are arranged by the elders, without consulting the bride or her mother. Polygyny is an ideal that is achieved by most older men.
How tall are Maasai warriors?
They are considered one of the tallest people in the world with average height of 6 ft 3 inches according to some reports. Traditionally, the Maasai diet consisted of raw meat, raw milk, and raw blood from cattle.
Why do Maasai drink blood?
The Maasai, an ethnic group of semi-nomadic people who inhabit in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, drink cow blood on special occasions – circumcision of a child, the birth of a baby and on the occasion of a girl’s marriage. It also is given to drunken elders to alleviate intoxication and hangover.
How do the Maasai make money?
Livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep are the primary source of income for the Maasai. Livestock serves as a social utility and plays an important role in the Maasai economy. Livestock are traded for other livestock, cash or livestock products such as milk and siege.
What language is spoken by the Maasai?
The Maasai, Samburu and Camus people are historically related and all refer to their language as Maa or ɔl Maa, although they acknowledge mutual cultural and economic differences. Most Maasai also speak Swahili, the lingua franca of East Africa.