Virtually all social roles and status derive
from the relationship of individuals to their cattle. Cow's milk,
together with blood, is the staple food of the Masai who eat no fruit
or grain.
Once a month, blood is taken from living animals
by shooting a small arrow into the neck. This blood is then mixed
with milk in a gourd which has been washed with urine to prevent spoilage.
Masai cattle vary considerable due to the centuries
old practice of stealing cattle from neighboring tribes.
This is sanctioned by the Masai legend with relates
that Ngai (God) sent them cattle at the beginning of time and gave them
the sole right to keep them. Compared with cattle belonging to the surrounding
tribes, Masai cattle are the largest and in the best condition.
This is due largely to the generous amount of
milk the young calves get. As a rule, the Masai have so many cattle
that only a portion of the milk is needed for human consumption and
there is plenty left for the calves.
Females stand 125 cm tall and weigh about 360
kg while bulls are 140 cm at the withers and weigh 400 kg. The
breed has a characteristically small narrow head.
The dewlap is quite large, the chest is relatively
deep and the whole body is well muscled. Coloration varies although
the Masai favor brindled animals.
Reference:
Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985,
MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock
Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
Drew Conroy, Associate Professor, Thompson
School of Applied Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
03424.
