girls’ circumcision ceremony? and other Longido, Tanzania General Tips

along the Arusha-Nairobi Road

Fondest Memory: When I finally arrived in Longido – in the heat of the day- I followed the signs to the Guest House where the Cultural Tourism Program-office was based.

A couple of young guys welcomed me, showed me a room and told me I was very lucky as I would be able to witness a girls’ circumcision ceremony in a nearby traditional Maasai boma (= a circle of huts, surrounded by a thick thorn bush fence). How exiting!

So of course I agreed and after having an great lunch (together with 2 young British volunteers), prepared by a local woman, we –the local guide and me- took off.

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General Tips: Walk through Maasai land

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Updated by Bonobo2005

on May 16, 2003

my guide with some Maasai warriors

Fondest Memory: During the 1,5 hr. hike on the dry plains of Maasai land at the foot of Mt. Longido, we encountered many friendly and helpful people, while the guide explained me the use of about every plant and bush.

Some people were just resting under impressive trees like Baobab and Acacia while others just came back from town apparently enjoying the local brew!

It’s amazing to learn how local vegetation -like aloe vera- in various mixes can offer the Maasai a whole range of medicine and other helpful products.

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General Tips: getting ready for ceremony time

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Updated by Bonobo2005

on May 16, 2003

so colourful

Favorite Thing: When we arrived at the particular boma we were welcomed in an elder’s hut with fresh milk.

We met the happy man –in his late 20’s- who’s future wife –a 14yo girl- just had been circumcised.
It would take 2 months of recovery after which they could marry.

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General Tips: dancing, chanting and jumping

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Updated by Bonobo2005

on May 16, 2003

warriors upon arrival

Fondest Memory: Not long after, the first group of warriors arrived, beautiful in line, spears in front, while singing and chanting.

One by one they dashed their spears in the ground and formed half a circle. They didn’t use any instrument besides their voices but their songs –dealing with their prowess during cattle raids, encounters with predators or lion hunts- all sounded amazingly rhythmic and energetic.

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General Tips: ...and jumping...and jumping...and....

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Updated by Bonobo2005

on May 16, 2003

jumping

Fondest Memory: One by one or two by two the warriors stepped into the circle and jumped- as high as possible-continuing for hours.

The jumping is done on the rhythm of the song or sound.

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General Tips: young women making music

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Updated by Bonobo2005

on May 16, 2003

Beautiful young Maasai women

Fondest Memory: Around the circle the young women gathered–in their finest dresses and their collars and necklaces were the most beautiful I ever saw.

Rhythmically they flipped their huge necklaces by moving their upper bodies and heads making the hundreds of beads touching each other and producing a delicate sound.

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General Tips: couldn’t believe this was really happening...

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Updated by Bonobo2005

on May 16, 2003