Book
The Maasai of Matapato: a study of rituals of rebellion
Indiana University Press • Bloomington, Ind. • Published In 1988 • Pages: [xiv], [297]
By: Spencer, Paul.
Abstract
This work focuses on the dynamics of the age grade system of the Maasai of Matapato, Kenya. The age grade system provides the central institution for political action in the society. Much of the emphasis in this study is on the [n]moran[/n] (warrior) age-set and the process through which the Maasai establish their warrior villages ([n]manyat[/n], s. [n]manyata[/]). These villages are established through a ritualized form of rebellion directed by the [i]moran[/i] against their fathers. According to Spencer, this is the '…first stage of an extended rite of transition separating them from the villages ruled by the elders and culminating years later when they are themselves incorporated into elderhood' (p. 5). A description of this process occupies the major portion of this monograph. This study also contains data on the pastoralism of the Maasai, marriage, childhood, the [n]eunoto[/n] festival, the status of women, puberty and initiation rites, and family relationships.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1996
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 1994
- Field Date
- July 1976-September 1977
- Coverage Date
- 1976-1977
- Coverage Place
- Matapato tribal section, Meto, Kajiado county, Kenya
- Notes
- Paul Spencer
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 279-281) and indexes
- LCCN
- 87026035
- LCSH
- Masai (African people)