THE MAASAI
Population and place
The Maasai can be found all over and though their population has been decreasing the ideology and philosophy has been able to attract and influence many other people to realise that they are also Maasai’s. This has continued to add on to the numbers of the Maasai family.
The Maasai speakers’ population fell drastically during the era of the colonial rule and has continued to do so ever since.
They presently number 350,000 to 500,000 all over. They are people who inhabit and are found in the Savannah plains, though most of them have now been rendered homeless or squatters. They’ve been sharing this habitat harmoniously with the “wildlife”
since time in memorial, respecting each others existence and boundaries.
All are Maasai’s and any one can be a Maasai. The following are the characteristics of a Maasai.
Life is the most important goal in life and living it in the best way possible should be the priority.
Not rehearsing life.
Acknowledging the basic as the fundamentals of life and thus the need to use them with respect.
Valuing respect above all the rest. This is respect to all, i.e. Environment.
Humanity should be the living law.
One is above none and only serving his/her special purpose in life.
A positive and prevailing attitude toward nature?
Sharing in the ownership of the four basic elements of life, water, air, fire and land.