Maasai People

The Maasai People are a semi-nomadic indigenous group of Africa, whose living region ranges from Southern Kenya to Northern Tanzania. The Maasai people do not claim a fixed location as a result of their nomadic lifestyle, and the entire migrating process is governed by the grazing of their cattle herds, which are adjusted to fit the seasons. The Maasai speak the Ma language, and their population is estimated at around 500,000.People of the Maasai group believe in one god, Ngai, who is present in all things, and is the creator of everything. Ngai is neither male nor female, but can be addressed as both, and is presented as a god with two natures; the benevolent Enkai Narok, who is black and symbolises rain, fertility, love and the sun; and the angry Enkai Na-nyokie, who is red and considered evil. Cattle are central to Maasai economy. They are rarely killed, but instead are accumulated as a sign of wealth and traded or sold to settle debts. Their traditional grazing lands span from central Kenya into central Tanzania. Young men are responsible for tending to the herds and often live in small camps, moving frequently in the constant search for water and good grazing lands. Maasai are ruthless capitalists and due to past behavior have become notorious as cattle rustlers. At one time young Maasai warriors set off in groups with the express purpose of acquiring illegal cattle. Maasai often travel into towns and cities to purchase goods and supplies and to sell their cattle at regional markets. Maasai also sell their beautiful beadwork to the tourists with whom they share their grazing land.