Because of this, it was a common activity for them to take their spears and shields and go and steal back cattle that were in the possession of other tribes. Most of the work in a Maasai village is done by the women. They are very much subject to the will of their husbands. Even so, in sharing the milk, which is an important part of their diet, they receive less than other members of the tribe. The gourds in these pictures are used as milk containers and their size and thus the amount of milk they contain, depends on the owner's age and status.
Maasai clothing is worn mainly for decoration.
Traditionally it was made from animal skins but today colourful red cloth is the favourite. Click on the girls in their colourful red cloths, to see a bigger picture. Beads are an important part of Maasai culture. They are a sign of age and status and are worn on wrists, necks, heads and through ear lobes. Because the Maasai people have so little in the way of material possessions, they make use of everything available.