Cultural Practices 2 (Maa)

Mixture of different tunes and drum beats filled the environment. Passers by could stop to watch mouth opened. The Maasai group,which was mostly known as The Maa, and some called them 'Jochikruok' because of their vertical jumping nature. Most people saw The Maas for the first time at Matongo, many people were surprised by the Maasais' life styles, many believed that The Maasai and Samburu community were clothe less and lives in the forest,most of the tale stories, described this community as the associates of animals, their behaviours were believed to be arrogant and violent, infact it was known that these group of people could skin one alive if annoyed! Romours had it that,the females from the Maas were married as early as one year, they were not to talk before men and they were so submissive. The fact hit the heads of many students, what they saw was much far from what they heard and believed for many years back. Everyone expected ugly humans in animals' skin,pierced ears and toothless beings hanging chains and noisy necklaces and several bangles around their wrists and ankles. The Maas that people met at college were far much better than many of the communities! Surprisingly, They were so friendly and harmless, organised and brainy. Nobody believed that, they talked fluently, they were exposed and advanced. Everyone wanted to be close to them so as to know more about them,to learn them and understand their true cultures. People needed answers. Their names were so long and complicated, those who were unable to pronouns their names correctly clung on their first christian names. Kupxy Benson,the funniest among the Maas group ,was slender and fairly tall. He was the first Maasai who got good number of friends from other communities, his story that was believed was a fiction appeared so real. He narrated how he managed to kill a lion single handed while he was taking care of hundreds heads of cattle's in the field, he astonished everyone by describing how he broke the bones of deadly lion. People looked at him as if they met Samson of the Bible face to face. Edison Konana assured the listening group that in Maasai land they were able to protect their animals from raiders. They explained into details how they organized raiding animals from other communities. Their stories were really touching. They looked brave and wise. According to history, the Maasai super hero was the bravest,it was believed that Lenana lived a life full of adventures. The Maasai believed that all cattles in Kenya belonged to them, and if any other community owns cattles,,then they believed you stole from them. Their college life was full of fun. As compared to the other communities, The Maas were very united. Their bonds were so strong and no one could separate them easily. They were always in groups. They liked taking the backseats in the dining Hall during meals. Whenever there was a problem involving one of them, all of them were seen putting their heads together and one's problem became The Maas problem. Fridays was there day, the meat day. They could be seen hovering nervously around the kitchen thirty minutes before the super bell.

The Maas however,loved their language so much. They had no time to speak in national language whenever they came together.

What surprised majority, was the nature of beauty The Maasai Ladies were hiding. The Maas Ladies were very pretty, very cool and they took after the Whites complexion, that was not expected from the Maasai Land as many believed that they looks more like illiterates, bush likes and people who had no future. When students joined college,and interacted with them, people changed the attitudes towards the Maas. Agnes Tumanka caught many eyes, she was of medium size,light skinned and very cool. Her habit of laughing and smiling all the time even where smiles were not applied,made people to love her so much, Tumanka was very friendly and adorable. She mingled with everyone without boundaries. It was so painful one of the morning, when Tumanka was leaving Matongo Teachers Training College to join Forces, very many people couldn't imagine staying without her, some of the men who were already in love,openly shed tears. Everyone was gloomy and disappointed. She remained in hearts of many,but it was so humorous when people were imitation how she was going to arrest criminals while smiling, " Wewe criminal,naomba nikushike" people would imitate and Everyone burst with laughters.

Faith Mbalelo Naishorua, shortened as Naisho, was another black beauty Maasai Lady who was stunning. Naisho was cool,lovely and was made free hearted. She looked mature and very observative. Most of the Maas Issues were under her care,she was more of guider to her group. Her friend Purity was an introvert, she never talked much but was also one of the beautiful ladies.

The Maas ladies were outstanding, their mode of dressing on Sundays after church was like a show day in college,they dressed inline with their rich culture. Around their neck, was a man made patterns in rings,the item was made up of several colourful beads skillfully arranged and attracting. Some of those items were tired around their heads criss crossing their eyes and noses, Everyone admired them so much,they matched them with patterned dresses and open shoes of the same colour. They looked expensive. On their wrists were bangles of different sizes taking colours on National flag. Their necklace were made in away overlapping downwards covering their breasts slightly. Some metal like items were hanging allover their dresses making kind of sounds while walking. They looked attractive to Everyone. The noise of the jungles would awaken the sleeping spirits. Despite being charming, other communities could not afford them! No Luo or Kisii or any other members from other tribe managed to date any of those beautiful angels. Was it because of fear? No, that couldn't be true, their instinct couldn't allow them. They loved their own men, It was their own men who showed them love, others were time wasters, This created much conflict in the college. Their men were not toleration any kind of relationship between their ladies and someone else out of the Maa group, only in some rare cases. The Maa men were mostly handsome. Some of them were of American height and very romantic. Most ladies from other regions were falling in love with them willingly these ladies were ready to do anything possible to have The love of Maas, The Maa men were ready to exchange their pockets with them. They liked taking these ladies outing a place known as Makuti in Sondu town, it was a lovely place,nice food and cool rooms to rest with someone you love. This act brought a lot of commotions and hatred and any lady who was spotted visiting Sondu with a Maasai man,could be warned and stopped by their brothers. Only few ladies like Lynn a smart Gusii Lady successfully remained in such relationship to the end. However,it was believed that after visiting Makuti,the relationship could be thrown to Sondu river, 'Aora Miriu' Those ladies were dumped and remained useless till the end of the course. Who knows the truth? Love and tribe were contrasting. Was there true love in college? some named such love as 'course requirement' " I am taking her nowhere" " I am just using her" " He gives me money" "Have you ever given me anything?" those were some of conversations people made. Poor individuals with true love were disadvantaged. Empty hands cost them. Money bought love. Love or Lust? It wasn't Love. It was lust. Some men who could not afford Nyakundi's chapati were loveless,they created their own group called whistling group, taking hot tea with no escort! Love life became unbearable for many individuals in the compound.

The Maasai songs and dances were amazing,their presentations were awaited by everyone. Their mode of body movements was inviting especially their neck dancing skill. Kupsy and Loldikir leading the group towards the arena. The chorus which was loved by everyone filled the environment.

Oyeleiyo

Oyaaya

Oiyeleiyo

Oyaaya

Oooooyeki mama

Ooiyeki mama

As they make romantic rhythms, the song was such interesting even without knowing the meaning. The females like Emmah Zakia,Silvia Memusi,Keloi,Tayian Naisho joining with supriano. Amidst thee song, the men would start shouting as they jump higher and higher,lead by Leselel,Lolmunyei,Kipas,Sinko,Kapante and Moses. The Luos changed the words to match their languenge so as to join the team

Oyieyooo yawa

Oyaaya matin

oyieyoolayoo

oyanyaa

oooooyieko mama

ooyieko mamaa

as everyone imitates neck movement.

Those were the times that college was so interesting, those who were hurt in their relationships could get something to smile about.

Culture practice part3 typing....