UTALII NCHINI
Compiled by Geoffrey Nangai
WELCOME again to yet another insight of the country’s tourism potentials. Unlike the past issues that have been focusing on wildlife, today’s issue is focusing on the country’s cultural diversity that too is of unique importance.
Tanzania is home to some of the most incredible tribal diversity in Africa. The country includes all of the major ethnic and linguistic groups on the continent – an amazingly varied population to inhabit a single country.
It has approximately 120 tribal groups, most of which comprise of small communities that are gradually being assimilated into the larger population due to changes in land use and the economic draw of city life.
Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country’s multicultural heritage and instead are united with a common language of communication that is Kiswahili.
Over the past few years, cultural tourism has become an increasing attraction for visitors from around the world and visits to tribal villages are often a highlight of safari itineraries.
The Masaai tribal group is perhaps the most well known of Tanzania’s tribes and inhabit in the northern region of the country. The Masai are pastoralists who fiercely guard their culture and traditions.
Their tribal life revolves around protecting and caring for their herds of cattle and finding ample grazing land in their region. The tribes live in circular enclosures called manyatas, where small mud huts surround a secure open circle where their cattle and other herd animals sleep protected during the night. Woven thorn bushes form a thick fence around the enclosure to protect the herds from attacks by lions and other predators.
Because good grazing land fluctuates according to the seasons and yearly rains, Masaai settlements are temporary and easily relocated to where grazing and water access is best.
Tribal tradition separates men and women into different age groups: the youngest herd sheep and goats while the young male warriors, or moran’s, job is to protect and care for their family’s cattle. Male elders hold a position of respect in Masaai society and once a warrior becomes an elder, he may marry to begin a family of his own.
Longido
A tour to the extensive plains around Longido Mountains that is 80 km north of Tanzania’s Arusha town features an extensive insight into the traditions of the Masai culture. Apart from the Maasai, the tour would also give you an added advantage of seeing a nature trail to spot birds, climbing the Longido Mountains through a dense natural forest and a walking safari through the Masai plains.
Mount Longido is one of the many volcanic features in Tanzania. Its name comes from the Maasai word "oloonkito," which means the place of the stone for sharpening knives. Indeed, Longido Mountain abounds with rocks, including the kind the Maasai use for sharpening knives.
Small as it is, Longido is now the seat of the district of Longido, with schools and other facilities. It is also the center of a vibrant cultural tourism program popularly referred to as the traditional Masai boma that is well known around the world. The program is run by the local Maasai for the benefit of their community.
The other important attraction is the Maasai women's market on the edge of Longido town where Masai women sell different products they make that include bracelets, ear-rings sandals and utensils among others. The Maasai women and children are hospitable and welcome visitors into their homes eager to teach them about their lives and culture. I have enjoyed all my visits to this community.
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 loaf-shaped or circular, and are constructed by women.
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 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.
Small livestock are also often accommodated within the enkaji. Villages are enclosed in a circular fence (Enkang) built by the men, usually of thorned acacia. At night all cows, goats and sheep are placed in an enclosure in the center, safe from wild animals.
The Maasai have however scattered to some of the countries towns that include Dar es Salaam engaging in security work and selling traditional herbs and medicine.They however can’t be seen in large numbers.
Writer’s contacts: jeffkash007@yahoo.com/ 0712209966
ENDS
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