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Fondest memory: In the course of that afternoon a second group of warriors paraded in –and also a third, all followed by young girls and started to make circles while singing their own heroic songs, chanting and jumping.
The whole boma on the lower slopes of 2690m high Mt. Longido –with in the middle a huge acacia tree- was now full of cheerful warriors and beautiful young girls, while the elders and women in their colourful dresses were staying aside around the huts, drinking and eating.
And I, as I politely refused my 5th bowl of milk, I was stunned, couldn’t believe that this was really happening...
Updated May 16, 2003
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Fondest memory: Around the circle the young women gathered–in their finest dresses and their collars and necklaces were the most beautiful I ever saw.
Rhythmically they flipped their huge necklaces by moving their upper bodies and heads making the hundreds of beads touching each other and producing a delicate sound.
Updated May 16, 2003
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Fondest memory: Not long after, the first group of warriors arrived, beautiful in line, spears in front, while singing and chanting.
One by one they dashed their spears in the ground and formed half a circle. They didn’t use any instrument besides their voices but their songs –dealing with their prowess during cattle raids, encounters with predators or lion hunts- all sounded amazingly rhythmic and energetic.
Updated May 16, 2003
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Favorite thing: When we arrived at the particular boma we were welcomed in an elder’s hut with fresh milk.
We met the happy man –in his late 20’s- who’s future wife –a 14yo girl- just had been circumcised.
It would take 2 months of recovery after which they could marry.
Updated May 16, 2003
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Fondest memory: During the 1,5 hr. hike on the dry plains of Maasai land at the foot of Mt. Longido, we encountered many friendly and helpful people, while the guide explained me the use of about every plant and bush.
Some people were just resting under impressive trees like Baobab and Acacia while others just came back from town apparently enjoying the local brew!
It’s amazing to learn how local vegetation -like aloe vera- in various mixes can offer the Maasai a whole range of medicine and other helpful products.
Updated May 16, 2003
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Fondest memory: When I finally arrived in Longido – in the heat of the day- I followed the signs to the Guest House where the Cultural Tourism Program-office was based.
A couple of young guys welcomed me, showed me a room and told me I was very lucky as I would be able to witness a girls’ circumcision ceremony in a nearby traditional Maasai boma (= a circle of huts, surrounded by a thick thorn bush fence). How exiting!
So of course I agreed and after having an great lunch (together with 2 young British volunteers), prepared by a local woman, we –the local guide and me- took off.
Updated May 16, 2003
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Fondest memory: One by one or two by two the warriors stepped into the circle and jumped- as high as possible-continuing for hours.
The jumping is done on the rhythm of the song or sound.
Updated May 16, 2003
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Reviews and photos of Longido attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Longido sightseeing.
One by one or two by two the warriors stepped into the circle and jumped- as high as possible-continuing for hours.The jumping is done on the rhythm of the...
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Longido: Maasai and a mountain full of buffalos
If you have seen some of my pages before you can imagine that the following phrases from the Cultural Tourism Programme brochure highly attracted me: "sip tea in a Maasai boma and gain insight into...
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