article

The age-system of the Masai

Annali Lateranensi18 • Published In 1955 • Pages: 257-318

By: Bernardi, B..

Abstract
This paper is a study of the social and the political structure of the Maasai in terms of their age group system. Bernardi analyzes the existing literature on the Maasai and attempts to elucidate and reconcile discrepancies with regard to the structure and function of the age and class unit among the Maasai. This results in detailed analytical descriptions of initiation ceremonies, military activities and ranking procedure of the age units. Almost every aspect of Maasai life is touched upon, since it is Bernardi's main thesis that the age-system both permeates and helps to explain the totality of the culture.
Subjects
Age stratification
culture
Maasai
HRAF PubDate
1996
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Types
Ethnologist
Missionary
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Amal Vinogradov ; 1965
Field Date
ca. 1946-1950
Coverage Date
1904-1954
Coverage Place
Kenya and Tanzania
Notes
B. Bernardi I.M.C.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 258)
LCSH
Masai (African people)