THE MAASAI PEOPLE
The
Maasai society is comprised of sixteen sections (known in
Maasai as Iloshon): Ildamat, Ilpurko, Ilkeekonyokie, Iloitai,
Ilkaputiei, Ilkankere, Isiria, Ilmoitanik, Iloodokilani, Iloitokitoki,
Ilarusa, Ilmatatapato, Ilwuasinkishu, Kore, Parakuyu, and
Ilkisonko, also known as Isikirari (Tanzania's Maasai). There
was also once Iltorobo section but was assimilated by other
sections. A majority of the Maasai population lives in Kenya.
Sections such as Isikirari, Parakuyu, Kore and Ilarusa lives
in Tanganyika.
Homestead
and labor
The
Maasai live in Kraals arranged in a circular fashion. The
fence around the kraal is made of acacia thorns, which prevent
lions from attacking the cattle. It is a man's responsibility
to fence the kraal. While women construct the houses. Traditionally,
kraals are shared by an extended family. However, due to the
new land management system in the Maasai region, it is not
uncommon to see a kraal occupied by a single family.
The
Inkajijik (maasai word for a house) are loaf-shaped and made
of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and cow's urine. Women are
responsible for making the houses as well as supplying water,
collecting firewood, milking cattle and cooking for the family.
Warriors are in charge security while boys are responsible
for herding livestock. During the drought season, both warriors
and boys assume the responsibility for herding livestock.
The elders are directors and advisors for day-to-day activities.
Every morning before livestock leave to graze, an elder who
is the head of the inkang sits on his chair and announces
the schedule for everyone to follow.
The
Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who lived under a communal
land management system. The movement of livestock is based
on seasonal rotation. Contrary to many claims made by outsiders,
particularly the Hardinian school of thought, this communal
land management system allows us to utilize resources in a
sustainable manner. Each section manages its own territory.
Under normal conditions, reserve pastures are fallowed and
guarded by the warriors. However, if the dry season becomes
especially harsh, sections boundaries are ignored and people
graze animals throughout the land until the rainy season arrives.
According to Maasai traditional land agreement, no one should
be denied access to natural resources such as water and land.
Subsistence
economy
Livestock
such as cattle, goats and sheep are the primary source of
income for the Maasai. Livestock serves as a social utility
and plays an important role in the Maasai economy. Livestock
are traded for other livestock, cash or livestock products
such as milk and siege. Individual, families, and clans established
close ties through giving or exchange of cattle. "Meishoo
iyiook enkai inkishu o-nkera"- so goes a Maasai
prayer. The English translation of this praye is: "May
Creator give us cattle and children. Cattle and children are
the most important aspect of the Maasai people.
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