The vibrant history of the Maasai people

Description

OLE SAITOTI (Tepilit) Die Massai. Paris, Chêne / Hachette, 1980; Folio, 276 pages, complete brown cloth binding, printed dust jacket. Photographs by Carol Beckwith. This book narrates the lively history of the Maasai people – a kind of autobiography written by a Maasai, Tepilit Ole Saitoti. After attaining the rank of warrior in his people, the author stayed in the United States, where he wrote texts and gave numerous lectures about the culture from which he came. In this work, he recounts ancient legends, describes the various phases in the life of the Maasai, and introduces us to their celebrations, ceremonies, daily work, warrior games, dances, songs, and prayers. Each chapter is accompanied by magnificent photos taken by Carol Beckwith, a young American who spent over two years with the Maasai and wrote a comprehensive and vivid account of extraordinary value.