The Maasai is the most authentic ethnic tribe in Tanzania. Maasai spread along the Rift Valley in Kenya and Tanzania. For centuries, a good number of the Maasai co-exist with wild animals, for example in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and others live in the outskirt or outside the national parks. They are still keeping their nomadic traditional life alive. This has made them to become the favorite of tourists.
The warrior is of great importance as a source of pride in the Maasai culture. To be a Maasai is to be born into one of the world’s last great warrior cultures. From boyhood to adulthood, young Maasai boys begin to learn the responsibilities of being a man (helder) and a warrior. The role of a warrior is to protect their animals from human and animal predators, to build kraals (Maasai homes) and to provide security to their families.
Through rituals and ceremonies, including circumcision, Maasai boys are guided and mentored by their fathers and other elders on how to become a warrior. Although they still live their carefree lives as boys – raiding cattle, chasing young girls, and game hunting – a Maasai boy must also learn all of the cultural practices, customary laws and responsibilities he’ll require as an elder.
An elaborate ceremony – Eunoto – is usually performed to “graduate” the young man from their moran and carefree lifestyle to that of a warrior. Beginning life as a warrior means a young man can now settle down and start a family, acquire cattle and become a responsible elder. In his late years, the middle-aged warrior will be elevated to a senior and more responsible elder during the Olng’eshere ceremony.
A trip to the Maasai boma or village will give you opportunity to:
- Explore their traditional life.
- See their traditional houses.
- Amazing traditional dances.
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