Maasai Women: Resignation versus Retaliation

Abstract

This is a study of Maasai women, the roles they play, the expectations held of them, and the system of support they have created for themselves. The research for this project was done in the small village of Eldamat in Southern Kenya. The Maasai of this area are non-pastoralist and many of them have established small shambas (gardens) for subsistence. There is a large Kikuyu influence in the area, and the Kikuyu language can often be heard when the women are talking amongst themselves. My work in the field lasted for one tr week in January of 1996. There is much more that can be learned from the women of this area than could be picked up in one week. In order to have a complete and comprehensive report on this Subject there is much more in-depth study that needs to be done. My main contact was with the Ole Naituriae Ole Sangariaki family whom t had known previously and who had welcomed me as an addition to the homestead. While was there the family consisted of Mama Julia Soipei, her son Moses, his wife Susan and four children who had been adopted by the family; one girl and three boys aged seven to thirteen. At the time Mama was not feeling well and this could very well have influenced my observations. My research consisted of conversations, casual interviews and observations with this family and three other homesteads with-in a four mile radius.