How did the warriors of Maasailand defend their community?
OR
Describe the social division of the Miaasais.
Answer:
- The Maasai society was divided into two social categories—elders and warriors.
- The warriors consisted of younger people, mainly responsible for the protection of the tribe.
- They defended the community and organised cattle raids. Raiding was important in a society where cattle was wealth. It is through raids that the power of different pastoral groups was asserted.
- Young men came to be recognised as members of the warrior class, when they proved their manliness by raiding the cattle of other pastoral groups and participating in wars. They, however, were subject to the authority of the elders.