The Maasai tribe in Kenya: Lion hunters
Cows and goats are their main source of income
The Maasai tribe is one of the oldest ethnic groups in Kenya, and is characterized by unique features that make it a people distinguished in its customs, traditions, and lifestyle in every way.
The Maasai tribe in Kenya adopts an ancient way of life that preserves traditional life, distinctive ancient customs, and clothing that sets them apart from other societies.
Maasai lifestyle in Kenya
The Maasai tribe in Kenya consists of human groups of nomads, semi-nomadic herders, and their economic life depends on cattle and goats, which constitute their main source of income. The wealth of its members increases with the number of cattle herds they own and the large areas of land they possess.
Cattle are used as currency for exchange, obtaining other types of livestock or goods such as milk and vegetables. Individuals, families, and clans within the Maasai tribe have forged close relationships through the giving or exchange of cattle.
One of the famous prayers of the Maasai tribe is: “May the Creator give us cattle and children,” as cattle and children are the most important aspect for the Maasai people.
The most famous customs of the Maasai tribe
One of the most famous customs that distinguishes the Maasai tribe to instill a spirit of adventure in the young people, so that they grow up with courage and skill, is that in order for a warrior to obtain this title, he must be sent to the forest to hunt a lion.
Lion hunting is a tradition and a historical practice that has played an important role in the culture of the Maasai tribe. For them, it is a ritual and not just a hobby.
The experience of hunting lions allowed the Maasai warriors to demonstrate their fighting ability, and at the end of each age group, usually after 10-15 years, the warriors would count all the lions that had been hunted. The purpose was to compare the number of lions hunted between the previous and current age groups.
According to African media, it is estimated that one million people from the Maasai tribes live in Kenya and Tanzania. With the arrival of formal education to the Maasai tribes, raising cattle has become the responsibility of the parents, while the younger ones resume the responsibility of raising cattle only on weekends.
How do members of the Maasai tribe live?
The Maasai people live in huts arranged in a circular pattern. The fence surrounding the huts is made of acacia thorns, which prevent lions from attacking the livestock. It is the man’s responsibility to protect the place from predator attacks, while the women are responsible for building the houses, as well as providing water, collecting firewood, raising livestock, and cooking for the family. The boys are usually responsible for herding the livestock.
