White Man Can't Jump

Our visit to a Maasai Village was a bit controversial.  On one hand our group wanted to experience a new culture and way of life.  On the other hand, interference from tourists affects the traditional lifestyle of these nomadic tribes and is not considered "responsible travel".  It is not part of their culture to sing and dance for white people.  I made peace with this conflict by embracing the fact that all humans change and evolve.  Daily interactions and commercial transactions are a choice for all parties involved.  In my opinion, no culture or tribe should be told they cannot interact with their surroundings.

Maasai Women infront of their homes.

Maasai Warriors.

The Maasai village was fenced in with sticks approximately six feet high.  Inside the fence there were 10 to 12 houses that were about 5 feet high and constructed of mud, sticks, dung and pieces of cardboard.  The houses had a domed roof and were the size of a large camping tent.

Entrance to a typical Maasai home.

Inside the dwelling was a pole holding up the frame and a small fire pit.  There were 3 beds covered with cow hide and a shelf with a water jug and some dishes (calabash and plastic).

When we entered the village, the men and women greeted us with dancing and the famous Maasai jumping.  They all wore colorful blankets and robes in red and purple plaid.  For footwear, they wore rubber from old motorcycle tires.  Many had huge ear piercings that made huge holes in their ear lobes.

Typical robes worn by a Warrior.

Rubber tire sandals - very innovative!

Decorated ears.

The women used a white beaded stiff necklace that they placed around my neck as an invitation to join them in dancing and jumping in a semi circle.  Some women had babies tied to their backs so not everyone danced, but it was an amazing experience.  Once again, I realized that in no time soon will I be a contestant on "So You Think You Can Dance".

Greg and I spent time with one family and learned that their tribe is divided into groups.  The men are either herders, warriors or boys.  The women are wives, elders or girls.  Men are polygamous and can take up to 5 wives.  The herders tend cattle that can be as far as 70 kms away due to the lack of fresh grass nearby. 

Greg and our Maasai host who welcomed us into his home, and answered our questions.

Greg sitting on the bed inside the Maasai home.

The Maasai are also known for a brutal custom:  young boys are circumcised without anaesthetic in front of the tribe.  Any flinching or crying is a sign of weakness so they must remain stoic and endure the pain.

There is no garden that I could see, and I was told the only vegetable they eat is maize, and there is no fruit available.  Inside the village they keep sheep and goats, and they drink the blood of the animals to get their strength.  That's how come they can jump so high!       

I must say, Greg works out almost everyday and is in amazing shape.  But when he was put to the test of jumping with the Maasai warriors - it was a humbling experience.  The Maasai tribe is known for the traditional jumping dance, and the height they get is unreal.  They never seem to get tired!

Greg preparing to join the traditional jumping dance.

Oops - he forgot to drink his goat blood today.

Of course there were many souvenirs to be bought.  They dressed me up in beads and told Greg that the beads represented what a female bride would wear for her wedding.  Greg then asked if the Maasai Warrior thought I looked nice, and if he wanted trade me for 2 cows!?!

Greg and I with the Maasai Woman who dressed me up in typical wedding beads. 

Thankfully Greg  did not trade me in to be wife #6 of our new Maasai friend.  We purchased some outrageously priced souvenirs instead.  Much to my relief.