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- Masai meat eating celebration
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- Paula Kahumbu
I had the extraordinary pleasure of witnessing a Masai initiation ceremony that only takes place every 10 to 15 years. The Eating of Meat Ceremony marks the end of moranism or warriorhood and the beginning of elderhood. Moran are the age set of young men circumcised at between 15 and 20 years of age. As warriors these young men are prohibited from eating meat with their mothers and later, their wives. The food at home is reserved for women and children. In fact they are not meant to eat at home but with each other and to find food in the wilderness or to attend special trainings and eat at traditional barracks in the bush. This practice forces the men to grow up, to socialize and to get to know others in the community. The eating of meat ceremony marks the first time that the men can eat with their mothers and wives again. More importantly, it is the beginning of junior eldership and for the first time, men can sit and discuss important matters with their fathers, give opinions and participate in decision making.
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Piece Description
I had the extraordinary pleasure of witnessing a Masai initiation ceremony that only takes place every 10 to 15 years. The Eating of Meat Ceremony marks the end of moranism or warriorhood and the beginning of elderhood. Moran are the age set of young men circumcised at between 15 and 20 years of age. As warriors these young men are prohibited from eating meat with their mothers and later, their wives. The food at home is reserved for women and children. In fact they are not meant to eat at home but with each other and to find food in the wilderness or to attend special trainings and eat at traditional barracks in the bush. This practice forces the men to grow up, to socialize and to get to know others in the community. The eating of meat ceremony marks the first time that the men can eat with their mothers and wives again. More importantly, it is the beginning of junior eldership and for the first time, men can sit and discuss important matters with their fathers, give opinions and participate in decision making.
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