Massai shields are used not only as weapons in the Massai culture of Kenya. They also express the art and culture of the Massai people in Kenya.

The Maasai warriors are one of the most prominent and respected ethnic groups in Kenya. Maasai men, in order to become warriors, must go out alone into the bush and kill a male lion with their bare hands. The warriors are so greatly feared, it is told that lions and cheetahs will run away or stop their pursuits of game animals if a Maasai warrior is anywhere close by. As soon as a Masai warrior is initiated their spear and shield are decorated with red paint, which is symbolic of their status in society. The Maasai statues sold at Acacia Wood Carvings are all hand-carved and hand-made by the Massai people of Kenya. When you own these you are owning a true piece of African culture, pride, and strength.

Each shield is crafted from buffalo hide sewn onto a wooden frame. The handle is attached at the center back of the shield and wrapped with leather strips. Among the Massai, red paint was traditionally obtained by mixing earth with blood or the red sap of the solanum campylae fruit. White was derived from local clays, and black from the skins of burnt gourds. Younger warriors were only allowed the use of black, white, or gray on their shields, while red shields were for the senior warriors.

A Massai cialis cheap warrior is rarely seen without a spear and shield. Spears are a warrior’s most precious possession and are used for defending herds and the community against predators. Spears are used as walking sticks and staffs, most commonly seen thrust in the ground by the warrior’s side. The metal is kept rust-free by polishing it with animal fat. Wood separates the leaf-shaped blade from the sharpened end. Dark ebony wood is used only among senior warriors, where lighter wood indicates a junior.

In Massai culture, a boy grows into a junior and then senior warrior (mid teens-mid thirties). When a new age set matures to replace them, senior warriors become junior elders, and finally senior elders, or ancients. Warriors are protectors of the tribe. They are the first line of defense against animals such as lions, and outsiders. They are also expected to perform the hard work around the encampment.

Shields remain one of the Maasai warrior’s most important tools. They were used in warfare and hunting as well as practice and training. Outside of the warring context, however, shields were used in rites of passage and also functioned as prestige objects and symbols of identification. Early studies revealed that spear markings and shield designs were once used to tell between some of the Massai subgroups and also hinted at a larger, complex lineage identification system. Shield designs are known as sirata.

Different designs and colors represent different things; a red badge signifies great bravery in battle and is only painted with the permission of a high-ranking chief. The intricacy of design and high craftsmanship of Maasai shields extend beyond utilitarianism and convey the sense of honor and status with which their warrior owners were invested.

Author Bio: Wayne Kiltz is the founder and owner of Brand Viagra Africa Imports. You can find over 100 other articles on African art, culture, and fashion at Africa Imports

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Category: Culture and Society/Art
Keywords: masai shield, maasai shield, massai shield, massai warrior, african shield, african art, africa imports