Clans are customarily patriarchal, valuing age and experience. Tribesmen progress through ‘warrior’ phases, before becoming ‘elders’ and decision-makers.

Modern Maasai is a blend of Christian influences and ancestral worship, interwoven across the centuries. Though believing in only one God, tribespeople typically do not adhere to the idea of an afterlife.

The Maasai are one of Africa’s largest indigenous ethnic tribes, and widely admired for a culture that prides strength, ritual, and community.

Ancient traditions burn bright among the Maasai. Rousing instrumentals, vibrant clothing and vivid public performances enliven the plains.

The piercing and stretching of earlobes are really common among Maasai people.

The removal of deciduous canine tooth buds, thought of as possible sources of disease, is still practice in early childhood .

Young men, including warriors, are used to decorate themselves in ochre to enhance their appearance and beauty. Traditionally they also scare their bodies with heated spears in order to show courage and power.

The word ‘Maasai’ was born from the language of Maa, an eastern Sudanic language of the Nilo-Saharan family. Maa continues to unite the Maasai, and bears similarities to fellow indigenous languages from Kenya, South Sudan, and Niger.

The deep rhythms of warrior dances forge Maasai communities, and their guests, together in rousing music. Meanwhile the tribe’s intricate beadwork is not only stunning, but plays an important visual role in defining age and status.

Beadwork is consider really important in Maasai body ornamentation. Complex bead patterns cover discs that hang around their necks and are used to determine an age set or hierarchy in the tribe.

Ochre-dusted celebrations bring Maasai days and nights alive—particularly during the rainy season, when initiations, circumcisions, and marriages take place. Maasai men are polygamous, with wife-lending a common practice among older men.

● Morani: The Maasai’s renowned jumping dance is an extraordinary display of strength among young male warriors. It’s very rare for women to take part.