Maasai

Fülszöveg

Maasai: People of Cattle is an illuminating introduction to the unique heritage and wisdom of a proud and resilient warrior people. This exquisitely illustrated volume describes the culture, beliefs and customs of the Maasai, pastoral nomads, farmers and hunters whose cattle-herding lifestyle is perfectly adapted to the East African savannah grasslands. Respect for cattle dominates Maasai life, defining their social relationships, their symbolism and even the idiom of their language. Maasai creation myth, the belief in two gods, one black and one red, and in a world imbued with spirits, reflect an almost physical awareness of the powerful, invisible forces of the universe, with which their medicine men and prophets, the influential loibon, can mediate on behalf of the community. The distinctive Maasai age-set system, family structure and ritual and symbolic rites form an intricate pattern of social interdependence based on spiritual values which affirm the value of life and ensure... Tovább

Fülszöveg

Maasai: People of Cattle is an illuminating introduction to the unique heritage and wisdom of a proud and resilient warrior people. This exquisitely illustrated volume describes the culture, beliefs and customs of the Maasai, pastoral nomads, farmers and hunters whose cattle-herding lifestyle is perfectly adapted to the East African savannah grasslands. Respect for cattle dominates Maasai life, defining their social relationships, their symbolism and even the idiom of their language. Maasai creation myth, the belief in two gods, one black and one red, and in a world imbued with spirits, reflect an almost physical awareness of the powerful, invisible forces of the universe, with which their medicine men and prophets, the influential loibon, can mediate on behalf of the community. The distinctive Maasai age-set system, family structure and ritual and symbolic rites form an intricate pattern of social interdependence based on spiritual values which affirm the value of life and ensure the continuance of the community. With a revealing selection of prayers and poems drawn from the rich Maasai oral tradition, this is the perfect primer for the seeking reader. Dr. David M. Anderson is senior lecturer in African History at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. His expert and enlightening account captures the essence of Maasai life, with its understanding that human beings and nature belong to a single order. Beautifully illustrated with photographs of the people, their art and artefacts, Maasai: People of Cattle is a celebration of the depth and richness of tribal lore. Vissza