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The Maasai are an indigenous ethnic group in Africa of semi-nomadic people settled in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. The Maasai are among the foremost African ethnic groups and are known internationally because of their links to the national parks and reserves .

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The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley on semi-arid and arid lands. They occupy a total land area of 160,000 square kilometers with a population of approximately one half million people

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Traditionally, the Maasai rely on meat, milk, and blood from cattle for protein and caloric needs. People who are circumcised, women who have given birth, and those who are sick, all drink blood on special occasions.

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Maasai music traditionally consists of rhythms provided by a chorus of vocalists singing harmonies. Despite using kudu horns which are blown on special occasions, the Maasai don't use instruments at all. Everything comes from the voice.

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In the Maasai culture, clothing varies by age and location. For example, young men wear black for several months following their circumcision. However, red is a favored color. Blue, black, striped, and checkered cloth are also worn, as are multicolored African designs. They also wear animal skin, calf hides, and sheep skin.

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Maasai Culture Threatened With Extinction By Climate Change 

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Maasai Culture Threatened With Extinction By Climate Change 

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This article is about how after many years of extended dry season caused by climate change, "an extensive and prolonged drought in this part of the world may see rich traditions in leadership, education, and living with nature disappear."

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The colourful and iconic Maasai, a semi-nomadic tribe in East Africa, is threatened with extinction due to climate change. After many years of extended dry seasons exacerbated by climate change, an extensive and prolonged drought in this part of the world may see rich traditions in leadership, education and living with nature disappear.

"The Maasai are a noble and dignified people who, despite the pressures of the modern world, have proudly maintained their traditional lifestyle and cultural identity." says Maasai elder Ezekiel Ole Katato of Kajiado County, Kenya. The Maasai culture and barter economy is built upon traditional pastoralism, and now the livestock which sustains their traditional way of life has begun dying off in alarming numbers.

"Maasai have suffered a lot from the consequences of land grabbing by powerful bodies and companies for many decades already." says Katato. "Now climate change and the continuous drought puts further pressure on our people. If there is no rain or aid in the coming weeks, the number of Maasai will decrease strongly. Our rich culture is threatened with extinction".

Rather than waiting for foreign aid, Katato has instigated a community-based drought management fund, as well as a crowdfunding appeal through Dutch platform Heroes & Friends. In consulting with elders and community members, they have identified their community's immediate and long-term requirements to survive.

"The Maasai are a culture rich in tradition and dignity. We believe that the mark of a full human being is the capacity to encounter challenges, whether personal or external, and seek to overcome them with courage."

"Our dignity is why we have instigated community based drought management, and our courage is why we have decided to ask for help from the global community."

Studies from other authoritative bodies like the United Nations highlight the vulnerable position of indigenous people like the Maasai. A 2008 Oxfam study has suggested that indigenous communities around the world could benefit from the Maasai in their valuable traditional survival skills.
To support the Maasai in their fight against climate change and to help them with long term solutions, please visit NOTES FOR THE EDITOR: https://www.heroesandfriends.com/projects/maasai
About the Maasai
The 1 million Maasai live in South Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Because of their rich culture and iconic traditions, their jumping dances and red clothes, Maasai are very popular among the tourists in this part of the world.

For the press:
For more information and/or an interview with Ezekiel Ole Katato please contact: Michiel de Koning, +31 6 22 77 51 44 or michiel@heroesandfriends.com or Willem Lageweg, +31 6 51 29 47 77 or willem@willemlageweg.nl

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Maasai culture threatened with extinction by climate change

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The colourful and iconic Maasai, a semi-nomadic tribe in East Africa, is threatened with extinction due to climate change. After many years of extended dry seasons exacerbated by climate change, an extensive and prolonged drought in this part of the world may see rich traditions in leadership, education and living with nature disappear.

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There are many ceremonies in the Maasai culture such as, senior boy ceremonies, circumcision, marriage, warrior shavings, milk-drinking ceremony, meat-eating ceremony etc.. The ceremony that is most important to the Maasai culture is circumcision. When circumcised, the child crosses over from childhood to adulthood, marking the coming of age of either the young boy or girl.