The Life of Maasai Community


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Life of Maasai Community

The Life of Maasai Community: The Maasai are nomadic and pastoral people who depend on milk and meat for subsistence. The title Maasai derives from the word ‘Maa’. Maai—sai means ‘My People’.

  • Before colonial rules, Maasai land stretched over a vast area from North Kenya to the steppes of Northern Tanzania.
  • In the late 19th century, European imperial powers divided the region into different colonies. After colonial rule, best grazing lands of Maasai community were gradually taken over for white settlement and the Maasai were pushed into a small area in South Kenya and North Tanzania.
  • By changing conditions, the Maasai were forced to agriculture. They started growing crops such as maize, rice, potatoes, cabbage. Maasai believed that tilling the land for crop farming is ‘a crime against nature. Once you cultivate the land, it is no longer suitable for grazing.
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