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Masai Shields
The Masai people are a culture group that lives in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Their reserves span the borders of Kenya and Tanzania in the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Lengai. The word Masai means "the speaker of the language Maa." The Masai people are well known and usually recognized by their Masai shield and their spears. These Masai Shields from Kenya is also very popular amongst art collectors, and people who like to display African art in their homes. The Masai shield is stretched tightly around a wooden frame, and then is painted with traditional geometric shapes and designs.
Cattle are the basis of Masai social and monetary economy. In addition to being the main food staple, cows are at the center of Masai cosmology, creation history, and clan systems. The Masai are nomadic, traveling to the best grasslands in order to graze their cattle. Cows are rarely slaughtered for meat, but their milk is part of a Masai's daily diet. The Masai culture has been impacted by colonization by the British in the 1900s and the globalization and tourist industry of current times. Their traditional grazing and hunting areas have vastly shrunk over the past 200 years, but in comparison to many other African tribes, they have been able to hold close to their established way of life as nomadic cattle herders. Therefore the Masai shields and spears are still seen as a part of their daily outfits.
The Masai culture is highly regulated, and men and women are segregated by age groups. Ceremonies are performed to pass Masai people through life stages – characterized by Masai shields and spears that are present at these ceremonies. For men, there are four major ceremonies that allow them certain privileges, as well as strict duties. Starting with boyhood, a child grows into a junior and then senior warrior. When a new age set matures to replace them, senior warriors become junior elders, and finally senior elders, or ancients. Warriors are protectors of the tribe. They are the first line of defense against animals such as lions, and outsiders. They are also expected to perform the hard work around the encampment.
A Masai warrior is rarely seen without a Masai spear and Masai shields. Spears are a warrior's most precious possession and are used for defending herds and the community against predators. Spears are used as walking sticks and staffs, most commonly seen thrust in the ground by the warrior's side. The metal is kept rust-free by polishing it with animal fat. Wood separates the leaf-shaped blade from the sharpened end. Dark ebony wood denotes a senior warrior, where lighter wood indicates a junior. The Masai shields are used for defense. It is made of water buffalo hide, and is nearly impenetrable. The paint on this shield is a mixture of natural and commercial pigments.
Should you wish to get a replica of Masai shields, a good website to visit is www.spyglassgifts.com. Here you can order your Masai shield, and have it delivered to your place of living without ever visiting Kenya.
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