As a historically nomadic and then semi-nomadic people, the Maasai have traditionally relied on local, readily available materials and indigenous technology to construct their housing. The traditional Maasai house was in the first instance designed for people on the move and was thus very impermanent in nature.The Inkajijik (houses) are either star-shaped or circular, and are constructed by able-bodied women.....hmm, these men make the women do the work!!
The structural framework is formed of timber poles fixed directly into the ground and interwoven with a lattice of smaller branches, which is then plastered with a mix of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and human urine, and ash. The enkaji is small, measuring about 3m x 5m and standing only 1.5m high. Within this space the family cooks, eats, sleeps, socializes and stores food, fuel and other household possessions. We observe this abode and cannot imagine ourselves being able to live like they do in this enclosed space......
The Maasai women regularly weave and bead jewelery. This bead work plays an essential part in the ornamentation of their body. Beadworking, done by women, has a long history among the Maasai, who articulate their identity and position in society through body ornaments and body painting.
Clothing varies by age, sex, and place. Red is a favored color although bBlue, black, striped, and checkered cloth are also worn, as are multicolored African designs. The Maasai began to replace animal-skin, calf hides and sheep skin, with commercial cotton cloth in the 1960s. Shúkà is the Maa word for sheets traditionally worn wrapped around the body, one over each shoulder, then a third over the top of them.
We have now arrived in the Safari Capital of the World, Nairobi, which is also the capital and largest city of Kenya.The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters".By the way, do you know what the city's nick names are?? "Green City in the Sun" and "Nairobbery"( because it is such a dangerous city!!)We will now obtain all our supplies for the rest of our journey, and rest here tonight.........we have an early start tomorrow...........
Durban Time
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