Just lie there like a log.....

While in the village we got the opportunity to learn a lot about Masai culture. In masai culture the women once they are married are called Mamas- hence my name of Mama Matayo which means the wife of Matthew. The men in the village are called warriors. In order to gain the status of a warrior the boy must undergo circumcision. Circumcision is preformed on the boys between the ages of 14-21. Circumcisions are preformed in 7 year cycles so each member of the community is divided into age groups depending on their year of circumcision. In preparation for the event the boys will travel with the warriors to a sacred place outside of the village where they are told about "man things" which include how to tend to your cows, how many wives to take etc. During their circumcision they are not allowed to "cry" which to them means they are not allowed to even blink. They have to lay completely still while the procedure is done, if they don't then they would be shamed and would have to leave the village. After their circumcisions the boys wear black shukas and paint their faces white. During this time they hunt birds in preparation for becoming a warrior and will wear the feathers around their heads. Women also used to have to undergo circumcision but that practice has been outlawed now in tanzania since so many women died from haemorrhage and infection.

While in the village we got a chance to spend a day with the Mamas where they taught us some of their traditional dances. The large circular necklaces are used for celebrations or for special occasions. You have to try and bounce the necklace- without it hitting yourself in the face which is all I really managed to accomplish. After we got our tutorial the warriors came and danced and sang for us. for the warriors it is essentially a jumping contest. We also spent time learning how to do some simple beaded bracelets with the mamas.

During the dry season the warriors will take the cattle and leave the village to find grass for the herds to graze. During that time the Mamas stay at home and take are of the children and maintain the houses. The houses are made of a mud/ cow dung mixture and have to be repaired after every wet season. We got to try our hand at mixing up the paste and then applying it to the walls.

Learning about the Masai culture was really interesting. It was eye opening to hear the reasons behind some of their traditions and made some of the things that I had
mount meru hospital make more sense. I feel i have gained an appreciation and understanding of their culture and their people and am so fortunate to have gotten such an intimate glimpse into their daily lives.