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From a very young age Maasai girls are involved in helping their mothers with the household, such as caring for little kids, and collecting wood and water.
Before circumcision, the Maasai girls may act as partners for the Warriors. Until recovery, usually 2 months, she wears black clothes and paints white lines on her face after which she gets married with her pre-chosen husband and about responsible for about everything that doesn't concern important decisions, herding livestock or social security.
Updated Jun 6, 2004
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From about the age of 5 the Maasai boys take care of the cattle (goats and cows).
After circumcision they become warriors. Their main responsibility is social security but also herding livestock. Warriors let their hair grow, sometimes paint it red and dress up using a lot of jewellery and paint.
They leave their families boma and sometimes start wandering for a while. Travelling lot of distance alone by foot, carrying only a spear in an area with lions and buffalos, will proof how brave they are.
When warriors become around the age of 25, they will be graduated and reach the stage of junior elder, and will be ready for marriage. The long hair will be cut and they will dress more moderate.
Between 30-35yo men will eventually reach the status of Senior Elder and considered wise enough to take the important decisions in the community.
Updated Jun 6, 2004
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Circumcision is an important point of change in the lives of Maasai boys and girls.
For the boys, usually aged between ca. 9-12, it means becoming a (junior) warrior and for girls circumcised before her 9th menstruation or when pregnant earlier, it means getting married.
Boys are circumcised in communal sessions in presence of warriors and elders and they should not show any pain. The girls mutilation takes place more privately in her mothers house while they are allowed to scream and cry if the feel like.
Updated Jun 6, 2004
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