In general, the Maa language is mostly spoken and rarely written because of their strong oral tradition. Spear in hand, they are calm and courageous regardless of the danger. The Iloikop wars were a series of wars between the Maasai and a community referred to as Kwavi and later between Maasai and alliance of reformed Kwavi communities. Traditional plant use is of tremendous importance in many societies, including most rural African communities. Enkipaata, Emuratta, Eunoto, Eokoto e-kule, Enkang oo-nkiri, Olngesherr, are the most popular rite of passages and ceremonies in the Maasai society. The Maasai are nomadic people who move from one place to … The Maasai (or Masai) people are an East African tribe who today principally occupy the territory of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, and who speak the language of the same name. These were pastoral communities that occupied large tracts of East Africa's savanna's during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Maa place names may also give a hint regarding historical settlement patterns. Traditionally, shepherds wore capes made from calf hides, and women wore capes of sheepskin. The Maasai decorated these capes with glass beads. The Maasai denote a certain tribe of people living in parts of Kenya and Tanzania and are famous for being fierce, tall warriors. For a small sampling, the following fairly well-known place names come from the indicated Maasai words; some of these could be found in a good English dictionary. The Maasai tribe stood firm against slavery and lived alongside most of the land's wild animals with an aversion to eating birds and game. Maasai land now boasts East Africa's finest nature and wildlife areas. Cows play an extremely vital role in their day to day lives and the Maasai believe that God gave the them all the cattle in the world and that cattle represents a sacred bond between man and God. Of all initiations circumcision is the most important rite of passage in the Maasai society. This knowledge is however, rapidly dwindling due to changes towards a more Western lifestyle, and the influence of modern tourism. In case of the Sekenani Maasai, the recent change from a nomadic to a more sedentary lifestyle has not, thus far lead to a dramatic loss of … In the 1960s, the Maasai began to replace animal-skin with commercial cotton cloth. Maasai Market has to be one of the best places to purchase curios, décor items, unique-African jewellery, and fabric.In Kenya, there are many Maasai markets, but the most common one is outside the Nairobi Court of Appeal’s parking lot and happens every Saturday. The name Masai refers to a person who speaks the Maa language. Their bright red robes set them apart visually. The Maasai have always been special. You can easily recognize them by their distinctive red cloth called Shuka. Maasai clothing varies by age, sex, and place. These wars occurred between c.1830 and 1880. The Maasai are one of the best known tribes in Tanzania. Masai was the incorrect spelling of the British settlers and has remained in current use. Maasai Shelter By nature, they are nomadic livestock herders and move to greener pastures as need be. However, the Bible was translated into the Maa language, which uses the Latin alphabet, and there’s also a Maasai dictionary. The Maasai have rightfully demanded pasturing and grazing rights to several of the national parks in both Tanzania and Kenya. Maasai (not Masai) is the correct spelling of this noble tribe: it means people speaking maa. Facts about Maasai rite of passage. Many place names in modern-day Kenya and Tanzania correspond to common words and phrases in the Maa language.