The Masai
The Masai live in North Tanzania and Kenya. They are a traditional and amazing group of people, and one of the most well known tribes in Africa. They have many ancient stories and fables. Here is one of their most interesting ones:
The Origin of Death
In the beginning, there was no death.
This is the story of how death began.
When Naiteru-Kop bought the first man, Leeyio to earth, he told him, "When a person dies, and you are called to throw the corpse away, remember to say, 'Man die and come back, moon die and go away.'"
When Leeyio was called to dispose the corpse of the neighbors dead child, he got confused and said, "Man die and go away, Moon die and come back again.''
So the body was disposed, and after a few months, Leeyio's own child died. He said, as he was disposing the body, "Moon die and go away, man die and come back again."
Naiteru- kop, on hearing this, said to Leeyio, "When your neighbor's child died, you should have thought about this and said the words correctly. Now you are too late."
So that is how death originated and why when the moon dies it comes back again, and when a man dies he doesn't return.
The Masai are a great warrior tribe, and one of the few tribes in Africa, who, even in the modern world, have still managed to live in their old, traditional ways and follow their old traditions. True, some Masai people have moved to towns, and cities for an easier life, but most still remain in their homeland. They live in their traditional mud huts, and tend to their cattle.
Masai believe the rain God, Ngai, entrusted cattle to them, and cattle are wealth. They drink the blood of the cow, mixed with cow's milk. (Poor cow, giving milk, and getting killed and mixed with its own product!). Their huts, called Kraal, are surrounded by thorns, so wild animals can't get in.
Masai language is called Maa. They use Animal skins and cushions of grass for comfort. The women make things out of beads: necklaces, headdresses, etc. Masai warriors are called 'Morani'. (Their words seem to begin with 'M' don't they?).
The Masai used to hunt wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania, but now it is banned. Tourists can meet and watch Masai at some National parks. (Hope Masai don't feel bad, being watched and protected like animals).
The Masai are one of the most unique of all the great African Cultures.
