Moran warriors traditionally prepare meat for their families and community. Here they lead the purchased cow to be slaughtered. Cows and Moran have a strong repour. The cows trusting follow their lead, without the need of a rope.

Here elders instruct younger Moran how to tie down the cow securely. If the cow breaks away, it will not be captured again to be slaughtered that day. They believe that God does not want that cow to be slaughtered at the time.

The blood of cattle is savored and traditionally a regular part of the Maasai diet. Men will drink the blood directly from the cow’s neck artery. Here a boy enjoys the blood collected in a tin pot. Other boys are waiting their turn.

PMD director Benedict Kitaika and ADEA Foundation director Douglas McFalls prepare to be received as guests of honor.

Maasai women of all ages welcome the guests of honor with songs composed for the celebration.

Maasai warriors welcome the guests of honor with song and dance.

Moran warriors and the guests of honor line up to be greeted.

Skill in jumping is highly esteemed by Maasai men.

Women in the entry procession

Elders preparing to bless the guests of honor and their families with cow milk and herbs.

Blessing signifying for success – the blessing took place in a cow coral in the presence of cows. They believe cows are good luck: they have life, meat, blood, and milk

Elder shares messages of gratitude for the party – the pleasure of meeting other elders and celebrating in a way they had not for decades.

A woman shares appreciation for the support of children and women, and bring peace to their homes.

The guests of honor, Ben and Douglas, led the closing prayer ending the time for the messages of gratitude and beginning the time for eating.

Moran enjoy parading and singing

A day of celebration was a welcome diversion as they endure a third year of drought.

Jumping to the songs, rhythm, and percussive sounds of the men is a regular part of Maasai celebrations. Men always seek to impress with the heights they can reach.

A mixture of red soil and oil is used to beautify faces during times of celebration.

Elderly women enjoy their position of respect. Such celebrations were common in their youthful years when the Maasai were prosperous and wealthy with cows.

Moran led the welcoming procession to the celebration site – in this case, they are led by an elder.

Intricate beadwork is a huge part of the Maasai culture. Traditionally, when cattle were abundant, and men prepared the meals of meat, women enjoyed much leisure time, during which they produced beautiful beaded items for their husbands, children, and themselves.

The fabrics dress that the Maasai favor are called “shukas.” Though red is commonly associated with Maasai dress, more colors and patterns are used. Some youth say that red shukas are for old people.

Traditionally nomadic in the open savannas of Eastern Africa, Maasai express the joy of color in their clothes and beadwork.

Maasai are gift givers. Common gifts are beaded items, fabric shukas, staffs, milk, and cattle. Here Douglas, Benedict, and their team receive gifts from the families of children we support. Douglas later received a sheep.