Why do Maasai keep large herds of cattle?
Michael Santeto, national coordinator for the Pastoral Development Network of Kenya, a non-governmental advocacy group, said pastoralists have long kept large herds not only out of pride and as the basis of their economy but also to act as insurance against diseases and pests.
How often do the Maasai slaughter their cows?
In order to maximize the amount of blood each cow can produce, Maasai men don’t slaughter their cows during the bloodletting. Instead, a group holds an animal down as one man nicks its jugular (typically via an arrow shot at close range) once a month.
Which African tribe are cattle herders?
Unlike many other tribes in Kenya, the Maasai are semi-nomadic and pastoral: they live by herding cattle and goats. The Maasai have not fared well in modern Africa. Until the European settlers arrived, fierce Maasai tribes occupied the most fertile lands.
Are Maasai people rich?
Most outsiders considered the Maasai to be wealthy, as many of them kept large herds of cattle (Tignor, 1972). The wealth in animals served a very specific function, as the Maasai depended heavily on livestock products for their food.
Are Lions afraid of Maasai warriors?
Over the years on Safari I had always heard (and even read) that lions seemed to have an innate fear of Maasai warriors. Lions reportedly would run from them on sight, seemingly able to recognize that they were Maasai by their stance or posture or their long stride.
Why are Maasai people bald?
Most Maasai men and women shave their head during rites of passage such as marriage and circumcision. Traditionally, both men and women stretched their earlobes, because long, stretched lobes were seen as a symbol of wisdom and respect.
Do the Maasai still kill lions?
The Maasai people have traditionally viewed the killing of lions as a rite of passage. Historically, lion hunts were done by individuals, however, due to reduced lion populations, lion hunts done solo are discouraged by elders. Most hunts are now partaken by groups of 10 warriors.
Why do Maasai jump?
It’s a sort of mating dance, a way for a young Maasai man who has just become a warrior to demonstrate his strength and attract a bride. Two men enter the centre and begin to jump, heels never touching the ground, straight into the air as high as they can go.
