Maa Cultural Week; In Pictures

A scintillating Maasai cultural festival extravaganza brought the entire country to a magic,marvellous dances,adumu,and grilled meat.

Sekenani, Narok County, Kenya

A Maasai moran (warrior) blows a traditional horn during the Eunoto celebration in Kilgoris, Narok County, Kenya, on August 20, 2023; Photo courtesy

Last week, Kenya was treated to an epic, aesthetic Maasai cultural week, with the community showcasing its long-standing, authentic cultural dance, folk songs, moran jumps, and nyama choma.

It was attended by governments officials from president, governor, ambassadors, local officials, and the surrounding communities.

A scintillating Maasai cultural extravaganza festival. From jumping to bracelets and rungu to signify leadership, alongside the newest item, laptop, ushered in an aura of a distinct and rich culture; Photo courtesy: Jonathan and Angela Scott

The Maasai cultural dance is a vibrant and rhythmic expression of their traditions. Accompanied by traditional music, the dance involves energetic, kaleidoscopic movements, jumping, and intricate footwork. Dancers often wear colorful clothing and adornments, creating a visually striking spectacle. The dance holds significant cultural meaning, often performed during ceremonies, celebrations, and rituals to symbolize unity, strength, and community identity within the Maasai society.

Morans (warriors) apply red ochre on hair during the Eunoto celebration in Kilgoris, Narok County, Kenya, on Aug. 20, 2023

The music features vocal chants, rhythmic beats from percussion instruments, and the melodic sounds of flutes, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

If you are new to the Maasai cultural songs, you had to participate exuberantly by joining in the kaleidoscopic movements through swaying your head forward and backwards while murmuring words like “aaaham, aaaaham, aaaham.”

It is epic.

Maasai cultural attire for men and women is distinct and colorful. Among Maasai men, traditional attire often includes a shuka, which is a large piece of cloth wrapped around the body like a robe or draped over the shoulder. They also wear beaded jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, which hold cultural significance.

Maasai women typically wear brightly colored, one-piece garments called shukas as well. These garments are often adorned with intricate beadwork and decorative patterns. Women also wear numerous beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, which are considered a symbol of beauty and status within the community. Besides, women might shave their heads and adorn them with beadwork, and some wear a headpiece called an "enkarewa."

Akala

Both men and women wear sandals made from rubber tires, often called "akala" sandals.

Grilled meat

How can I forget meat roasting? It is a traditional method of cooking meat practiced by the Maasai. They typically use open flames or hot coals to grill the meat. The meat, often from cattle or goats, is skewered onto long sticks or laid on a wire rack over the fire. The process imparts a smoky flavor to the meat as it cooks slowly, and it's usually seasoned with simple ingredients like salt, herbs, and spices. Roasting meat in this manner is not just a cooking technique for the Maasai but also a communal and cultural activity, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and socializing.

This is adumu, the well-known Maasai jump

The Eunoto is a significant Maasai coming-of-age celebration where young warriors transition into elder status. It involves various rituals, dances, and ceremonies that symbolize their change in responsibilities and roles within the community. It's a time of great importance and cultural significance for the Maasai people.

During the Eunoto, cattle are sacrificed and their blood drunk by the young men, whose hair is shaved from their heads by their mothers.