Walking with the Maasai

I spent a year living with the Maasai from 1974 to 1975. I went to Kenya as an anthropologist but I was unable to secure my grant because the government did not want to promote “savage tribes” who refused to become “civilized.” Rather than returning home, I hoisted my backpack and walked out to find the Maasai in their native settlements.I lived with moran, or warriors, in Kilonito and witnessed their Eunoto ceremony. Then I lived with my “adopted” Maasai family in Loita. I found myself witnessing the end of another frontier. As their best grazing lands were being taken away from them, they were unable to sustain their herds. Their children were being taken away and forced to attend government schools. And their young were no longer respecting the words and wisdom of their elders.This book is an edited version of my tapes. I carried a small tape recorder and recorded my observations on a daily basis. I have done my best to document their lifestyle and culture, as well as their social and environmental issues during my year walking around Maasailand. Read more