father of the Massai. I just find it crazy how these certain cultures can come up with stories, theories or whatever it is they are coming up with. And to believe that they entrusted all their faith and never were led astray from their religion, makes me develop a strong respect for their culture.In studying the Massai in class I became aware of the strong representation that cattle made in the Massai culture. The people would go as far as naming the cattle as if they were their own pets. The believed that cattle were the next best things to God, cattle were everything. Since the Massai were semi-nomadic pastoralists, this meant they would travel searching for new grazing pastures. Going back to their Gods; Massai believe that the Rain God Engai granted all cattle to them for safe keeping when the earth and sky split. The bond between the Massai and the cattle was inseparable. The Massai knew each cattle by voice, color and eye. The Massai would slice the ears of the cattle in a certain way so they can recognize that it belongs to a certain clan. The cattle would provide the following for the Massai: milk; blood; a simple cheese and meat; dung for fuel; plaster for their huts which are made of dung mixed with earth; hides for bed covering and garments; urine for cleansing hands; tanning leather and cleaning gourds; and butterfat for their rituals and baby food. I can easily see why the Massai treasured these cows so much; because the cattle gave them almost everything to live from. I would never think to get anything from a cow than simply a Quarter Pounder with cheese from McDonalds.Other traditions that took place in Massai culture not learned in class were Massai dances. Massai men would take part in jumping dances, the purpose to compete for height. They all would gather in a circle while 1 or 2 would move into the center. With their arms straight against their sides they would bounce in a rhythmic fashion to chants...
