Tag Archive for: Masai Mara

The Maasai Warrior by Muneera HashwaniThe Maasai Warrior by Muneera Hashwani

The Maasai Warrior by Muneera Hashwani

The Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting northern Tanzania and Kenya. Historically known as Nomadic cattleherders who were renowned for their enigmatic presence and legendary bravery. The Massai warrior, with spear in hand, colorful beads braided in his hair and a Shuka wrapped around his body portrays the tradition which has tested the course of time. As fierce warriors and great hunters they protected their tribes against enemies and wild animals. However within their tribes and villages they were known to be peaceful and harmonious people with a deep respect for nature. The ostrich headdress symbolized in the past that the warriors had not yet killed a lion. Like a loins mane, it was originally worn during raids and wars to give psychological advantage by adding height to the person. The ritual lion-hunting is now outlawed in East Africa but the Maasai will only kill a lion if they threaten their livestock or their village. The headdress known as Esidai, is used in most rituals and ceremonies. It is made from cow skin and decorated with colorful beads and Ostrich feathers to give it more character. A Maasai’s life is embodied in tradition which has been coming down from centuries and every event such as birth, adolescence, adulthood, weddings, seniority and death are celebrated in the traditional way. As for his wealth, the measurement is based on the size of his herd and family.
Photo of the day 18022012

Sunset in Maasai Land, by Orhan Aksel

I captured this photograph in Masai Mara region of Kenya in August 2010. I used an SB900 with a beamer (Justin-clamped to the jeep) to camera right. It was rather difficult, because I also used a 30-some year old manual zoom lens (Vivitar Series…
Copyright © 2024 Light & Composition. All rights reserved.