The mere presence of this historic tribe has a huge impact on the surrounding area (their diet, religion, and even their language). But as Tanzania continues to develop, the Masaai begin to deteriorate as the demand for this development overruns their way of life.
Nearly every aspect of this tribe's culture contrasts with our modern one, but there are a few customs that stand out: how money is not an important material possession, but how many children and cattle you have determines your wealth. That women are rarely treated as humans, but are rather about the equivalent of cattle. And that tribe members are not buried, but are left outside the village for scavengers.
The Masaai women share similar lives: build a house for their family, care for the cattle (mostly cows), prepare the food, collect firewood/water, make decorative beads for themselves and their families, and countless other things. Any major decisions made by the tribe are decided by elders, all of whom are men.
It is sometimes thought that men don't love their wives or daughters - but that is far from true. While the equality between genders is very uneven, women are still loved by their families.
The role of Maasai women is much more complex than we think, and there are plenty of questions I would want to ask one of the female members. But if I could a woman one thing, it would be if she was happy. It sounds kind of stupid and corny, but I genuinely wonder if the women are happy.
Although (depending on the specific tribe), some Maasai women may not know what life is like outside of their tribe. Some are familiar with the way of life in cultures outside of her tribe - I would want to know if she is content with her way of life, or if she wishes she could change how she lives.
On my trip in Tanzania, I plan to learn more about the Maasai tribe, and the incredible life that they lead.
