Transcript The Maasai of Africa - Indiana State University

The Maasai of Africa
By
Karen Correa
FCS214, Fall 2003
Introduction
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Semi-nomadic pastoralists
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Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania
Tropical Savannah Climate
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Semi-arid lands
61-74 degree F
20-40 inches rain (November – May)
General Characteristics
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Lifestyle
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Livestock – survival of the Maasai!
Wooden and dung houses
Blood and milk
Male age-system
Women were sub-ordinate & subservient
Traditional Dress/Appearance
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Treated and de-haired animal skins
Men: Animal skin tied over one shoulder
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Women: 2 leather aprons
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Warriors: Small calf- or goat-skin capes
Iron rings and coils around the neck
Black capes after circumcision
Coils of iron wire on arms and legs
Shaved heads except warriors
Adornment
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Cicatrisation & Tattooing: Design with
thorns and cut with razors
Circumcision: Most important ritual for boys
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Clitoridectomy performed on girls
Contortion: From iron coils worn by women
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Stilt legs & impaired mobility
Adornment (contd.)
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Piercing: Wore iron coils, chains, wires etc.
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Paint: As a symbol, cure or for protection
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Elongation of ear lobes and creation of big holes
Use of white paint by circumcised boys
Hair dressing: Only warriors wore pigtails
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Mixture of red paint, animal fat and red earth to
style hair used by warriors
Dress/Appearance Today
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Bright, colorful red cloth
Beaded ornaments are a very important part of
the Maasai culture
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Worn around neck, wrists, and through earlobes
Adornment: Circumcision & Piercing
Reasons behind the Changes
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Increased awareness of the Maasai
Wildlife and habitat conservationists
Markets for beads
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Glass and plastic beads sold as fashionable items
Summary
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One of the most traditional cultures that exist
in Africa today!
Not much change in lifestyle or clothing.
Questions
???