And here comes the postcard of the month and one of a few cards from Africa in my collection :D! This photo of Maasai people from Tanzania (that I had not expected at all) reached me yesterday! In fact, I still don't know who's the sender as there's only the name on the back but I thank him/her and invite him/her to contact me!
The Maasai (Masai or Masaai) are a ethnic group of semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and northern Tanzania with population of approximately 850,000 in Kenya.They speak Maa (ɔl Maa). Maasai society is strongly patriarchal in nature.
Talking about religion, they are monotheistic, worshiping a single deity called Enkai or Engai. Engai has a dual nature: Engai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Engai Nanyokie (Red God) is vengeful. The "Mountain of God", Ol Doinyo Lengai, is located in northernmost Tanzania.
The Maasai are aslo know for their piercing and stretching of earlobes and colorful clothing (however, red is the favored color). Clothing varies by age and location. The names of the clothing are now known as the Matavuvale.
Another common tradition of Maasai people is head shaving. It's common at many rites of passage, representing the fresh start that will be made as one passes from one to another of life's chapters. Warriors are the only members of the Maasai community to wear long hair, which they weave in thinly braided strands.
Many Maasai tribes throughout Tanzania and Kenya welcome visits to their village to experience their culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Would you like to meet them? I surely would!
