Through the Looking Glass

The Maasai  is a tribe found in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. They originated in Northwest Kenya and began migrating south during the 15th century. The largest the territory ever was, was in the mid-19th century. Because the Maasai was such a large tribe, many ethnic groups that had already settled in areas nearby were forced to leave and find other ground. Although their size was over powering, some tribes did not leave but rather joined into the Maasai society. All of these factors and more are the core reasons that the Maasai tribe is one of the largest populations in its region.

The Maasai society is mainly based on age. Many ceremonies and celebrations occur at certain ages and points in life. These events also correspond with gender, which in this tribe, is very much valued differently then what we know here in America. For example, at very young ages, the boys are send out to work with the calves and lambs, while the girls are quickly taught responsibilities at home such as chores and care taking. Like all tribes, and even groups, the Maasai have their own set of customs and beliefs. From religious beliefs, monotheistic, to simple everyday customs that have run through the tribe for generations. Some being things they need on a daily basis; traditionally having a diet of Raw meat, raw milk, and raw blood from cattle. More modernly, soups are one of the most important use of plants for food, mainly made with roots and occasionally bark. Others by choice, like jewelry and how they dress their body. The Maasai are known for their intricate jewelry, consisting of bead and cuffs and other materials they can find and create and many colors each resembling something different. One of their favored colors is red and is used in a lot of this jewelry and worn by many. Even as a tribe, clothing varies by age and location, so it it different within in each pocket of people. Head shaving is common and represents the fresh start that will be made as one passes from one to another of life's chapters. The Maasai tribe has kept their traditions and customs, which is becoming more and more difficult due to the governments effort in assistance, for many years and continue to amaze us with they're constant ways in isolation.

Living here in America, especially Vail, we have so much and are so unaware of other cultures and conditions around the world. One thing that struck me is the fact that within the Maasai tribe, a woman is about the equivalent of a cow. Simply hearing that makes me cringe. Sure, here in America men may be valued a little  more, even if we are perceived as equals, its just how it is. But for a woman to have such little or no amount to anything, its astounding. Also, the reasoning behind why head shaving is common had me go back and read it again. I first thought of how they are so much better in their self image and what they think of themselves and other and then I had a second thought. "Fresh start that will be made as one passes from one to another of life's chapters," it shows what they really value, and its so much more important than some of the things we value. All people here need to do is look at how other people live, in person or even just seeing what its like through reading it or pictures or videos, but just witness. We all need to see that perspective of how different we all are and live and how we actually react to that.