Attend a Maasai tribe ceremony in Kenya

“Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending a Maasai ceremony in southern Kenya. The ceremony took place in Loita, an area located in the highlands west of the Great Rift Valley, next to the international boundary with Tanzania. Loita is home to a sub-group of the larger Maasai community called the Loita Maasai. This is a place that I know well, having conducted research there for the past two decades. The ceremony marked the inauguration of the new Ilaiser clan chief of the Loita Maasai in Kenya. It was attended by over 3000 people, including local politicians, the media and a delegation of Loita Maasai from Tanzania. Although I was there as a friend, and having recently joined the FOCE team, I couldn’t help looking through the lens of “food” at what was happening around me. Here are some observations and thoughts on Loita Maasai food practices, with a special focus on milk. First, I tasted that the tea was different. I usually enjoy “Maasai tea”, served in enamel cups, and cooked on firewood with river water, tea leaves, fresh milk (from cow, goat or sheep), and generous amounts of sugar. It keeps you going for hours. But this tea was bland, with no flavour; it was “thin”. The plastic cups in which it was served for sure played a role, but I realized that it was primarily the milk that my taste buds had detected as different.”

“And so they did their magic behind the scenes, contacting the lodge and refining the details. Angama Mara was delighted to arrange the Maasai blessing ceremony for us, and they assured us they would take care of all the details. True to their word, their preparations began with a request for our measurements…so that they could make traditional Maasai attire for us! How wonderful is that! When we arrived at the lodge, the manager quickly and efficiently (so as to not take any time away from our safari activities) went over the timing details of the ceremony with us. There really was nothing we had to do but show up! Having planned my two weddings and the reception, it was a welcomed switch to let someone else do the planning. How refreshing and completely unstressful! Precisely at 3:45pm,(as I had been told), three lovely Maasai ladies (Elizabeth, and her daughters Mary and Margaret) came to our room to help me dress in the tailor-made traditional blouse, skirt and cape. While I marveled at the exquisite patterns and beading and the Maasai craftsmanship, the ladies quickly got to work. Much giggling ensued as we tucked and cinched, making sure everything fit just so. Next, they adorned me with the joyously colorful and beautifully beaded necklace and bracelets that had been made just for me. And then, as the final touch, slowly, carefully, and if I may say, affectionately, they secured the headpiece.”