question_answer

Describe the social division of the Maasais.

Answer:

(i) The Maasai society was divided into two social categories-elders and warriors.

(ii) The elders formed the ruling group and met in periodic councils to decide on the affairs of the community and settle disputes.

(iii) The warriors consisted of younger people, mainly responsible for the protection of the tribe.

(iv) They also organised cattle raids. Raiding was important in a society where cattle was wealth. Raiding asserted the power of the different pastoral groups.

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 participated in wars. They, however, were subject to the authority of the elders.