The color blue represents energy and the sky. Rain falls from the blue sky which provides water for the community.
Who are the Maasai (Masai)?
Traditional Maasai hut called a boma.
- The Maasai are a traditional, semi-nomadic tribe that live in Kenya and Tanzania. Despite increased education, civilization, and western influences, they have clung to their traditional way of life and are a symbol of Kenya.
- The women build huts called boma's that are made from mud, timber, sticks, grass and cow dung. The boma measures about 10' x 14', and in this space, they cook, eat, sleep, socialize, and store all their positions and often house the baby cattle.
- The bomas are arranged in a circular fashion to form a village. The village is protected by a fence called a enkang. The enkang is made by the men from branches from Acacia trees that have large thorns. This prevents lions and hyenas from entering the village, keeping the cattle and villagers' safe.
- The women are responsible for making the houses, supplying the water, collecting firewood, milking the cattle and cooking for the family. Livestock is their primary source of income and is their staple diet. They raise goats, sheep and cows which provides them with milk, blood and meat. The cattle is also used to barter or sell for needed supplies.
- Eastern Africa is experiencing a terrible drought forcing the women and children to spend many hours each day just to collect water which is often contaminated. The effects of the drought are causing them to loose their cattle, which is their primary source of food and income.
elephant hair to bead their jewelry. Today, they use glass beads and string or wire to make their beautiful creations.
Traditional jewelry is worn by both men and women, however at Global Ridge, we work with our artisans to create designs that appeal to our conscious consumer.