Pre-colonial Maasai Society and the Changes in the Colonial Period

Pre-colonial Maasai Society and the Changes in the Colonial Period

In precolonial times Maasai society was divided into two social categories: (i) elders and (ii) warriors.

The elders who formed the ruling group, were the advisors and settled disputes. The younger people were the warriors. They defended the community and organised raids.

Wealth was assessed in terms of cattle. Through raids, power and prestige of different pastoral groups was asserted.

Under the British colonisers, chiefs of different sub-groups of Maasai’s were made responsible for the affairs of the tribe. Also restrictions were imposed on warfare and raiding. These measures of the British had serious implications on Maasai society.

(i) There developed a distinction between wealthy and poor pastoralists. Chiefs had both pastoral and non-pastoral income. Often they accumulated wealth either through trade or by indulging in money-lending activities.

(ii) The life of the poor pastoralist who depended only on livestock was badly affected. Many were forced to give up their old occupation and had to ekk out a living as charcoal burners or by seeking jobs in towns.