Once every decade, thousands of Maasai men from Kenya and Northern Tanzania wrapped in their traditional shuka, that is, their red and purple shawls, with heads coated in red ocher, gather around to perform an initiation ceremony that turns Moran (warriors) into Mzee (elders).
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The Maasai in Kenya are about 1.2 million and they account for only about 0.7 per cent of Kenya’s population, according to the government statistics office.
There is a similar number in Northern Tanzania as well, and they are considered to be one of East Africa’s most internationally well-known tourist attractions mainly due to their distinguishing cultures, dress style and terrain, and, of course, their once-in-a-decade initiation ceremony, otherwise known as the Olng’esherr (meat-eating ceremony).
The men gather in Maparasha Hills in Kajiado County, 128 kilometres from Nairobi, on the designated ceremonial grounds that are dotted with acacia trees and surrounded by hills.
According to CNN, The Maasai have large herds of cattle which they depend on for food and as a source of wealth. So, it is justified that the main meal for the occasion was roasted meat.
The men gathered to feast on 3,000 bulls and 30,000 goats and sheep which they grilled on large beds of coal from acacia trees while holding on to their staffs and swords.
What follows is several ceremonies which involve circumcision, marriage, warrior-shaving ceremony, milk-drinking ceremony and meat-eating ceremony.
Traditionally, boys and girls must undergo through these initiations for minors prior to circumcision. However, many of these initiations concern men while women’s initiations focus on circumcision and marriage. Men will form age-sets moving them closer to adulthood.
Women do not have their own age-set but are recognized by that of their husbands. Ceremonies are an expression of Maasai culture and self-determination.
Every ceremony is a new life. They are rites of passage, and every Maasai child is eager to go through these vital stages of life. Following is where a boy’s life begins in the Maasai society.
Although the Maasai culture revolves around patriarchy, it also allows the women to be powerful. For instance, both polygamy and polyandry are common marital practices within the group.
Women can marry more than one within their age group, and even choose whatever partner they want. Maasai women have also been able to climb the economic ladder as they engage in trading and create beautiful ornaments and jewellery, which the Maasai are very well known for.
At this week’s initiation ceremony, the women were there to support their husbands in their colourful shawls, donning their beautiful beads around their necks. They sang praises and encouraging songs for the newly initiated elders.
The culture of the Maasai is intriguing and truly special for so many reasons. Indeed, the Maasai have managed to maintain their strong cultural practices despite an increase in industrialization and changes in the global environment.
