Celebrating Black History Month, girls attending the History Society meeting on Tuesday 28 September at Queenswood School in Brookmans Park were presented with a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the renowned Masai peoples. Three members of the Masai Cultural Arts Group – two men and a woman in the bright red and blue traditional costume – gave vibrant descriptions of several intriguing aspects of the life and traditions of this ancient, nomadic East African tribe.
Essentially a practical workshop, members of the audience participated in singing, making introductions in the Masai way and even attempted the upright jumping dance for which this ancient tribe is famous. The girls were fascinated to learn about life in a male-dominated society where polygamy is accepted and inter-tribe conflict the norm. They also learned about the importance of herding cattle and the tradition of drinking cow’s milk with blood – not part of the evening’s workshop, thankfully!
History teacher Dr Sophie Murray said “The girls were enthralled by the accounts of the rich culture and life of the Masai. Not only were they able to consider the history and traditions of this legendary tribe, but they will have gained a better appreciation of the challenges facing tribal people now such as HIV/Aids and land pressures in a developing continent.”
The event was of particular interest to Year 10 pupil Miti Shah (aged 14 from Hadley Wood) as her father is from Kenya. Miti said: “It was a really interesting experience as it gave me and my friends an insight into the unknown.”