Masai Warriors
1988
oil, 42" x 29 7/8"

The Masai are a Nilo-Hamitic people. Pastoral and semi-nomadic, their lives revolve around their cattle from whence they acquire their main diet of milk, blood and meat. After the elaborate circumcision ceremony in early puberty, the young men become moran (warriors). Some ten years later they will relinquish the rank, shave their heads, join the ranks of the elders and be entitled to marry. Traditionally, warriorhood is a time of colorful adventure when young men must prove themselves in battle or other acts of courage like lion hunting. Those who displayed the greatest bravery could wear a lion’s mane headdress. Other worthy participants could wear ostrich feathers, as shown in this painting. Masai pay great attention to coiffure and the leleshwa leaves under the arm act as a deodorant. The spears that they carry are purely ornamental, but for centuries the Masai were mighty warriors who ruled East Africa.