The Maasai

A few shots of the Maasai, a nomadic and carnivorous African tribe that has not adapted to modern technology and herds cattle through the savannas in Tanzania (and elsewhere). You see them the Serengeti plain, though I didn't see any in the park itself (probably by design), herding their cattle and living in temporary encampments. We stopped at one of them, payed them $100 for a tour and saw a dance demo, a camp tour, and an opportunity to throw their spears (which I flubbed and actually broke mine, which I don't think they appreciated). They apparently use the American dollars to buy medicine, etc.

The shots are OK but I don't think I have any award winners. Me and a few others went inside one of their shelters, which is made of thorny thickets and other stuff they find. The fellow here (in the following post, with additional shots) was one of the two who spoke English (how did he learn it? Just on the fly I suppose).

C&Cs welcome.

G

A few additional photos of the Maasai. The Caucasian fellow here is from our team.

The Don't Lose Hope motto is Nelson Mandela's, I believe ... (I just realized that they misspelled it. But considering most Tanzanians speak 2-3 languages I guess they get some slack).

G

Man, i love the Maasai!! and love these pics. My favourite is the one with the spears in the ground, 2nd shot 2nd batch (with the red garbs and seeming to kiss the tip of the spear). Just totally amazing. You might have a winner there :-) I also really like the one with the person jumping with them.

GB
Fantastic and educational selection.

Thks Liban. The Maasai are definitely an unusual breed and like all the Tanzanians quite friendly. Funny that you choose the spear one as the best, I would have never done that, so shows how people's tastes and preferences vary. The fellow jumping seemed to have a blast on this trip - rapping with all the natives, jumping, etc. I was too motion sick from the back of those SUVs to do anything but snap photos, and could actually barely do that (glad I managed..).

I guess there's something nice about living the simple life that they live. No economic meltdowns, layoffs, etc. But wow, what do they do for entertainment out there? I didn't see any books or TVs (or cameras :D ).

Thanks too, Tom. You're pretty close, being in Ireland -- fly on down there and get some shots too one of these days!!!

G

Exciting photos and narrative, GB.

These are wonderful pics of an incredibly noble people.

Cheers
Mike

Thanks Don and Mike. I add narrative to spice it up.. I was told awhile ago that a good caption can make the difference between getting published or not. It helps if the subject makes an impression, as writing doesn't come easy to me!

I have heard that the African governments have attempted to get the Maasai to transition to the modern world, but that this has mostly failed. I did see a few Maasai working at tourist areas though, in indirect jobs.. I wonder if it works out for them in the end, or if they eventually return to their tribes.

G

Edit - Oh, and they said that they use the spears to fight other tribes that they sometimes go to war with, who try to raid their herds and steal their cattle. They made it sound like the lions for the most part do not attack the Maasai, just also try to get the cattle. They said that they surround the lions and stab them with the spears (that'll teach those lions..........).

Wow, those are beautiful subjects to take pictures of, thanks for sharing!