I find the Maasai, in their looming presence and in their use of bright colors and elaborate patterns, to be one of the most beautiful people who grace this planet. The Maasai are nomadic herders of cattle. They inhabit parts of eastern Africa. The Maasai warrior (or “moran”) in this acacia grove has just had his head shaved as part of his initiation into manhood. Maasai men must go through several rites of passage to become moran. The first rite, which occurs at the age of thirteen, is circumcision. It is during the rite known as the “eunoto,” when the warriors’ heads are shaved. The eunoto involves several days of singing and dancing, the building of huts, the slaughtering of cattle and the drinking of ox blood. Through all the rites of passage, the moran move as one body of brothers. |
