Masai girls have marriages negotiated by their fathers before being born. Both boys and girls undergo circumcision
is a often have their marriages negotiated by their fathers before they are born. Both boys and girls undergo circumcision ceremonies. Older women enjoy the same status as male elders. The Masai, most of whom are nomadic throughout the year, live in kraals, small clusters of cow-dung huts constructed by the women. Today the Masai number approximately 250,000. Authority derives from the age-group . Prior to circumcision a natural leader or olaiguenani is selected; he leads his age-group until old age, sharing responsibility with a select few, of whom the ritual expert (oloiboni) is the ultimate authority. The Masai occupy the Narok and Kajiado districts of Kenya, and share the Olmaa language from which their name derives within Kenya with the Samburu and Ilchamus, and across the border in Tanzania with the Arusha and Baraguyu. A century ago, they had established a reputation as powerful and ferocious people; their warrior bands raided hundreds of miles into neighbouring territories to capture the cattle they coveted and to demand tribute from the trade life is dominated by their herds of their cattle and livestock.
Size: 3327px × 5082px
Location: Kenya
Photo credit: © Tom Hanley / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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