Question

Describe the social organization of the maasai in the pre-colonial time and what changes occurred

Answer 1

Masai have been faced with a lot of grazing lands. There was a territory in Africa among the European countries colonial powers. As a result, the best grazing lands were taken over and settled there. The Masai people lost about 60% of their colonial lands. Large areas of grazing lands were also turned into games

Answer 2

Pre Colonial Time:

1. The Maasai society was divided into two social categories – elders and warriors. The elders formed the ruling group and the warriors were responsible for the protection of the tribe.

2. They were assertive, aggressive and brave but were subject to the authority of the elders. They proved their manliness by conducting raids and participating in wars. Raiding was important in a society where cattle were wealth.

During and Post Colonial Period

1. The Maasai lost about 60% of their pre-colonial lands. Pasture lands were turned into cultivated fields and Maasai were confined to an arid zone with uncertain rainfall and poor pastures.

2. They could not move over vast areas in search of pastures. It affected both their pastoral and trading activities as they were not only deprived of land but of all forms of trade.