The Spirit of Ubuntu

The spirit of Ubuntu - The Maasai community

Ubuntu is one of many African approaches to a complete understanding of the process of cultivating attachment and positive human communication with each other creating a way of life. It is a traditional African theory that gives an understanding of us as human beings in relation with the rest of the world. According to Ubuntu, there exists a common link between us all and it is through our communication with our fellow human beings, that we discover our own unique qualities. Ubuntu also is the capacity in African culture to express compassion, exchange, dignity, harmony, and humanity in the interests of building and maintaining our community.

The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley. They live in Kraals arranged in a circular manner. The fence around the kraal is made of acacia thorns, which prevent lions and other wild animals from attacking the cattle. It is believed to be a man's responsibility to fence the kraal, while women are responsible to build the houses, supply water, and collect firewood, milking cattle and cooking for the family. Traditionally, kraals are shared by an extended family; however, due to the land management system in the Maasai region, it is not uncommon to see a kraal occupied by one family. The houses are loaf-shaped and made from mud; sticks, grass, cow dung and cow's urine .Warriors are in charge of guarding while boys are responsible for herding livestock. During the drought season, both warriors and boys take the responsibility for herding livestock. The elders direct and give advice for day-to-day activities .Every morning before livestock leave to graze, an elder who is the head of the clan sits on his chair and announces the schedule for everyone to follow .The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who lived under a communal land management system where the movement of livestock is based on seasonal change. Contrary to many...