#maasai land

[aquitainequeen]

Evicted from its ancestral land in the 1970s, a Maasai community has made good on its promise to reclaim the territory. Now it’s working to repeat the success elsewhere

Indigenous leaders across the globe are winning game changing environmental victories against the odds. In our ‘guardians of the wild’ series, we hear from those who have defeated oil companies, cancelled mining contracts and won the right to stewardship of millions of acres of land, risking their lives to protect the wildest places on our planet.

Read more...

[daisylovesrumble]

Tanzania Govt: Stop auctioning Maasai land to carbon traders and trophy hunters

The Maasai are still at risk of being displaced from their ancestral land for trophy hunting and carbon trading.

[homunculus-argument]

So I was gutting this old crossword dictionary from the year 2000 to make a book safe, and although I wasn't really reading through it, my eyes landed on enough words on the pages to notice how many words there seemed to be that either I had never heard, didn't know could be used as synonyms for other words, or had heard before but had no idea what they mean. Page by page I started wondering whether my own finnish vocabulary had declined this badly over the years, or could language itself change so much in just 24 years, that so many of these words would already be antiquated?

Then, halfway through it, I encountered the name "Maasai", and the definition was simply the n-word.

[xtruss]

In Kenya, Martial Eagles Hunt Lion Cubs For Lunch

Martial eagles, with wingspans that can exceed six feet, can take out young impalas or gazelles. Recently, researchers have seen them targeting another species’ young.

— By Joshua Rapp Learn | October 3, 2024

Martial Eagles (One Shown in Serengeti National Park) Occasionally Hunt Lion Cubs, New Rsearch Shows. Photograph By Klaus Nigge, National Geographic Image Collection

In December 2012, tour guides in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve witnessed a series of killings targeting one of the savannah’s top predators. An adult martial eagle followed a pride of lions for weeks, waiting for the right time to swoop in and kill three cubs in total.

“This is an eagle really looking at these lions and thinking, ‘I’m going to systematically hunt these lions,’” says R. Stratton Hatfield, a Ph.D. candidate at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands.

A Juvenile Martial Eagle snatched this three-week-old lion cub on March 15, 2019, in the Mara North Conservancy, Kenya. No one saw the bird kill the cub. Based on the fledgling eagle's behavior, researchers suspect that an adult female gave the cub to the fledgling. Photograph By Jes Lefcourt

While the supposed kings of the jungle may dominate the land around them, this incident and others like it show that African lions (Panthera leo) may not always sit on top of the food chain when it comes to the skies. In fact, martial eagles (Polemaetus bellicosus) likely prey on lion cubs when the opportunity arises, Hatfield and his colleagues recently reported in Ecology and Evolution.

“It’s really a testament to the predatory nature of martial eagles,” Hatfield says.

Queen of the Skies

Martial eagles’ wingspans can exceed six feet. Adult females weigh more than 10 pounds, while adult males typically weigh around seven pounds. Though comparable in size and ecology to golden eagles, the species often kills larger prey. The birds swoop in and dig their razor-like talons into their prey’s spine at the back of their skull, sometimes taking out young impalas or gazelles far above their weight class. “[Their talons] are just massive killing utensils,” Hatfield says. “From a predator perspective, they are impressive in what they’re able to do.”

Hatfield’s team only recently realized the birds also preyed on other predators. The team collected seven records, including the 2012 incident, that describe martial eagles preying on lion cubs, resulting in the deaths of nine cubs and one near miss. Most of these episodes probably involve larger females, Hatfield suspects, though two records included juveniles preying on cubs.

The earliest case comes from 2008, when a photographer captured an image of an eagle feeding on a freshly killed cub, while the most recent was in 2023, when a safari guide saw a juvenile eagle hunt and kill a cub large enough that the raptor couldn’t fly off with it.

Risk Versus Reward

Despite their aerial antics, martial eagles are typically risk averse. “When they go to take a lion cub, it’s with a lot of recognition of the risks,” Hatfield says. But not all records seem to show this careful calculation.

In the one failed killing, a martial eagle swoops in to snatch a six-week-old cub right next to its mother. The lioness spots the approaching danger, and “literally leaps in the air to try to take the martial out of the sky,” Hatfield describes. “You can just see the lioness’s eyes lock onto something, then she crouches and launches.”

The eagle dodged the counterattack, and didn’t get the cub, but the whole maneuver “was just stupid.” Hatfield speculates that the raptor didn’t see the lioness. Episodes like this are so dangerous for the eagle, “you wonder if they are doing something ever just for fun,” he says.

Amy Dickman, a conservation biologist at Oxford University in the U.K., isn’t surprised that eagles will go after cubs again and again if the strategy proves successful. She also leads Lion Landscapes, a nonprofit focused on coexistence of humans and wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania, and says the conclusions of Hatfield’s team “seem sound.”

As far as the lions are concerned, “it’s just another kind of risk that lions have to deal with,” Dickman says, like predation from hyenas or male lions from competing prides. While she doesn’t think the eagles pose a conservation threat to the big cats, an individual pride in a given area might feel pressure if a martial eagle has honed in on their cubs as a food source. “It shows you how interesting and diverse the natural world is,” Dickman says.

Predators or Prey?

Martial eagles aren’t picky when it comes to big cats. Some have taken cheetah and leopard kittens, as well. Hatfield also notes the risk probably goes both ways—lions could and probably have hunted adult eagles or nests. At least one YouTube video shows a leopard killing a martial eagle.

“The relationships between top predators at the top of the [food] pyramid are complicated,” Hatfield says.

Martial eagles are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Hatfield hopes that studies like this bring more attention to their plight. Like other large raptors in Africa, the species faces habitat loss, poaching for parts, electrocution on power lines and persecution.

“We are all so focused on the elephant and lion and rhino,” Hatfield says. “A lot of these big eagles and vultures are going to go extinct right in front of our eyes.”

[workingclasshistory]

On this day, 9 June 2022 Indigenous Maasai people in Tanzania from the villages of Ololosokwan, Oloirien, Kirtalo and Arash gathered to protest against land enclosures by the Tanzanian government. On June 7, Tanzanian security forces and Ngorongoro Conservation Area officials seized 1500 km² of Maasai land and began evicting some of its 70,000 residents. The land enclosure was nominally in the name of "conservation" and in order to establish a luxury hunting reserve for wealthy tourists. On June 10, security forces used live ammunition and tear gas against Maasai protesters. 32 people were shot, and one 84-year-old protester named Orias Oleng’iyo was "disappeared". Maasai people fought back and one police officer was killed by an arrow. The government then used this death as an excuse to round up Maasai leaders, and eventually charged 24 people with murder and conspiracy. Meanwhile, over 2000 Maasai people fled to neighbouring Kenya, and protests continued with Maasai people marching on the Tanzanian high commission in Nairobi. Eventually, in November, lacking any evidence, prosecutors dropped the criminal charges. More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/11105/maasai-people-protest-enclosures https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=640914004748485&set=a.602588028581083&type=3

[tadotravel]

🌍 The Enriching Journey of the Maasai Tribe

The Maasai tribe is a significant community with a unique history. They originated from South Sudan, belonging to the Nilotic ethnic group. Due to unfavorable conditions for livestock farming, they were compelled to migrate in search of grazing land and water for their animals. On their journey, they passed through various regions, including the Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Rift Valley, eventually settling in the fertile lands of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Along the way, they encountered various indigenous communities, such as the Samburu, Kikuyu, and Luo, which contributed to the distinctiveness of the Maasai culture.

Today, the Maasai primarily live in Kenya and Tanzania, with an estimated population of around 1 million. They are divided into approximately 16 clans, with the Purko and Loita clans in Kenya and the Parakuyo clan in Tanzania being the most influential in terms of historical impact and size. Despite their geographical separation, the Maasai maintain a shared culture that binds them together.

In Kenya, the Maasai lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, which contrasts with the more settled Maasai in Tanzania, who now engage in both farming and livestock herding. Their unique identity is immediately visible through their attire. In Kenya, they wear red shukas (blankets) adorned with intricate beadwork, while in Tanzania, the Maasai often wear blue and purple shukas. These variations in attire symbolize their unity in diversity.

Visiting the Maasai offers a unique learning experience. You can participate in their traditional dances, such as the adumu or jumping dance, and listen to elders recount stories of their origins. You will also have the chance to taste their traditional foods, like ugali (maize porridge), traditional drink (known as amarula –a mixture of fresh cow’s milk and cow blood), meat, and milk. Importantly, you will learn about their traditional herbal medicine practices, known as mitishamba. Examples include esititi, used for dental care, various herbs for treating malaria, and other plants for digestive health and body detoxification.

The Maasai tribe offers invaluable lessons in resilience, sustainability, and the importance of cultural heritage. This brief glimpse into their rich history and vibrant culture is just a taste of what this remarkable community has to offer.

✨ Resilience, Unity, and Cultural Heritage -The Maasai Way ✨

For more insight and information on cultural tours and safari experiences, follow us!

[rvenvs3000f24]

Unit 05 Blog Post

I was brought up in Eldoret, a town that rests in the heart of Kenya, near one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth, the Rift Valley. The sheer scale of the Rift Valley, the largest of its kind, has always been a breathtaking sight for me. Spanning thousands of kilometers from Lebanon in the north to Mozambique in the south, the Great Rift Valley runs through Kenya, carving out a beautiful landscape that is both vast and rugged. Its significance in shaping nature and the lives of the people who live near it, including my own, is immense.

An image of the Rift Valley captured from the valley floor. See if you can spot the waterfall in the image above.

As a child growing up near the valley, I remember standing on its edge, staring into the seemingly endless horizon. The Rift Valley is more than just a geographical feature; it is a living, breathing ecosystem that has a dynamic relationship with the wildlife, vegetation, and communities that inhabit it. The valley is a cradle of biodiversity, home to a range of ecosystems from dry savannas and wide grasslands, dramatic escarpments and fertile plains.

An image of the Rift Valley taken from the edge.

Nature in the Rift Valley is something I came to appreciate deeply. The valley is a host to countless animals, including some of the most iconic species of East Africa, such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions. The wide plains of the valley offer these animals plenty of space to roam, and it is not uncommon to witness them in their natural habitat when visiting nearby national parks like the Maasai Mara. The Rift Valley lakes, including Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, are vital water sources for these creatures, making the valley a true haven for wildlife.

The valley's landscape is marked by dramatic features that are a testament to the forces of nature at work over millions of years. The escarpments, which rise steeply from the valley floor, provide stunning views that capture the vastness of the land. Standing at the edge of these cliffs, one can appreciate the sheer scale and geological history of the valley. It’s humbling to think that the Rift Valley was formed as a result of tectonic forces, with the earth’s crust pulling apart, creating the gaping chasm that now defines the region.

The beauty of the Rift Valley is not only in its grand scale and geological significance but also in the subtle details of everyday life. Whether it’s the cool breeze that sweeps down from the escarpments or the vibrant sunsets that light up the sky, the valley has a way of making you feel connected to something ancient and enduring. It is a constant reminder of the power and beauty of nature, a place where one can feel small yet part of something immense. Growing up near this natural wonder has shaped my view of the world, giving me an enduring love for nature and its complexities.

[callsignbaphomet]

>> Nyota People:

The Nyota are a unique group of berserkers initially made up of different ethnicities, which include but are not limited to Kikuyu, Maasai, Turkana, Somali, and Bantu people. There are also people of present day Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania that inhabit the Kakamega forest in Kenya. They’ve made their home in front of and inside a massive cave system unlike any found in all of Africa, though in truth only a portion of the population lives in that area as their real home is actually in what they call Star Rift (categorized by Oracle as EXO-R 6102)  which is only accessible through a stable portal that is highly guarded by the Nyota themselves. The Nyota speak the official languages of Kenya, Swahili and English.

>> History: The history of the Nyota is both long and complicated. Long before the village was established, in 106 CE an offshoot group of Maasai berserkers had noticed strange variations of animals in the land as well as strange mutations to the local flora that was starting to spread. They traced the source to a large cave deep within the Kakamega rainforest though once they got there they were surprised to see other berserkers from other villages and areas had also followed the spread of the strange mutations until they all met up at the cave. The cave in question was massive, it was unlike anything any of them had ever seen.

((Size of the cave is identical to the Hang Sơn Đoòng cave.))

As they explored the cave they all confessed to having been somewhat drawn to it though none could really explain why they suddenly had this insisting need to find the source of the strange mutations. As they explored they could feel the soil, the rocks, the grass, and even the wind passing by the area charged as if something was emitting massive bouts of energy into everything, even they could feel themselves becoming charged with the energy which in turn made their need to find the source all the more intense.

It took weeks, as the cave system had plenty of paths that led to deadends, but eventually they reached the lowest level which housed a massive chamber. The walls, the rocks, the ground and the roof were all covered in very small glittering and shining stones that seemed to emit their own light source from within. There were also four tall obelisks made of obsidian with those same glittering and shiny stones embedded into the stones. The obelisks were identical in structure and size (115 feet tall) and while they emitted their own energy it wasn’t the same energy that flowed through the soil and had enchanted the people in the cave to find it. As they approached the grand obelisks a portal opened up between them with two on one side and two on the other. Confused, scared but still overwhelmed with the need to find the source they began to experiment to see if it was safe to pass through the portal though they waited about 24 hours to see if it would close again but it never did. They tossed stones, weapons and other objects through the portal but nothing seemed to happen. Then they tied some rope around a few chickens and pushed them through the portal. After a few minutes they pulled them back out and the animals seemed to be fine. Eventually a few people volunteered to cross over to the other side to see what was at the other end of that portal though there was some resistance to this idea. Ultimately the majority decided to go through with the idea.

Ten people were sent through and once on the other side they were stunned to see a lush and verdant land with fauna and flora similar to the ones they were familiar with and some that none of them had ever seen before. The energy they’d felt back in the Core Realm was nothing compared to the intensity of the energy they felt in this strange new realm. The group explored for a bit and after a while returned to the Core Realm insisting that the rest follow to witness what they had witnessed.

> Father of the Cosmos: After they all crossed over they spent months exploring and eventually came across what appeared to be some sort of structure. Two massive, though worn out by exposure and time, pillars (623 feet tall) made of a white rock with moss covering most of the base and reaching about halfway to the top. Underneath them was a naturally formed platform made of the same rock that the pillars were made of. Between them was an obelisk identical to the ones at the portal they used to cross over except this one was much, much taller (339 feet) and had what looked like the remains of some type of creature tied to it. The body appeared insectoid in structure but it didn’t seem to be a massive insect. Another noteworthy aspect of this was that the structure was located at the head of a huge valley with the structure at the top of the valley head and behind the structure was some sort of portal though it didn’t behave like it. It was still and perfectly circular with a pitch black center and a thin layer of shining white light that seemed to both come from inside the ��portal” and layed neatly on the outer layer of the circle.

((The diameter is 890 feet, radius of 445 and the circumference is 2,794.6.))

For all intents and purposes it looked more like a tear in the fabric of time and space than a portal but that strange tear was the source of the energy these people had been drawn to. Now that they discovered the source they wanted to know what was going on, why was that happening now and what did that mean for them. They approached the body and studied the structures but nothing came of it, however, once the sun set and a ringed moon rose the decayed carcass began to speak to the people studying the new discovery and thus they met The Father of the Cosmos.

They introduced Themself as a Maker that had been betrayed and stripped of Their power and exiled to that realm. Their body was separated from Their essence which was hidden inside that prison behind Them for eternity. Some people were quick to want to help but some questioned why They were betrayed and imprisoned to which the Maker confessed that They were the father of the cosmos. They’d created every star, planet, moon and the night but another Maker wanted the power They wielded and wanted to make it so that there was only night. Their carcass was full of battle scars and They sounded sincere to the people talking to Them but not many were convinced so the Father of the Cosmos made a deal with them: They would grant them powers beyond those that ordinary berserkers could wield, ability to instantly use Astral magic to its full potential (the magic that the gods use) and a wealth of knowledge that no other mortals had. They also admitted that the energy that compelled them to discover the realm was exactly the kind of power They were promising, all the people had to do was remove the small stones that littered Their carcass, the ones on the obelisk Their carcass was tied to, the ones all over the realm and the ones in the chamber where the portal to that realm was located. They were even willing to impart Their gift unto them before they finished their work as a sign of good faith. While the task seemed like it would take a very long time the reward was far too gargantuan to pass up so the people agreed and the arcane berserker was born. Powerful and gifted berserkers able to use magic while in berserker mode and not just any magic, astral magic. They gained wisdom that would take a mere mortal a million lifetimes to gain and suddenly they were privy to knowledge mortals wouldn’t normally have access to. Grateful for the gift the people began work on removing the small stones which turned out to be very small stars given solid form. Even though they seemed small they were heavy and a bit of a hassle to remove so the process was slow, so slow that all the arcane berserkers began to sort of form a society. Dozens of different cultures melted together to form one culture. They built homes at the entrance of the cave in the Core Realm and began construction within the realm as they’d all come to agree that it was now their new home. The homes in the Core Realm followed the same structural patterns you’d normally see in the area to not raise suspicion but the cities, towns and other structures within the realm that they had agreed upon to name Star Rift were truly out of something that could be described as other worldly. There was clay, rocks and wood in that realm just like in the Core Realm but there was also a plethora of minerals, gems and metals native to only that realm and after studying them they learned to manipulate them in order to work them into homes, items, clothes, armor, weapons and everything else that they needed. As they did that they also worked on removing the stars embedded into the carcass of the Father of the Cosmos. Once that was done they removed the ones in the obelisk.

When the last star was removed the Father of the Cosmos would need to wait to regain Their strength as They’d been trapped for almost a billion years so the people left Them to recover so that Their essence would return to Their carcass. This took a while and while They rested the people had gone to work on making their society a lot firmer with them uncovering forbidden secrets, gaining strength in both combat and magic as well as developing in a far more advanced way than any other nation in the world. Once the Father of the Cosmos was able to escape the prison thanks mostly to the help of the people who had advanced their understanding of astral magic to an almost scary level that impressed even Them. The prison was open and Their essence returned to Their carcass which was then brought back to life. The insectoid like body had been missing a head but now that Their essence and body were reunited Their head was actually a small living nebula constantly rotating in place, however as a sign of respect They took on a male human form identical to theirs and even adopted the name Chausiku. With Their powers and energy returning They mingled among the people and socialized with them almost becoming one of them though it was obvious that They were desperate for the people to hurry and remove the remaining stars from the chamber in the Core Realm. As days and weeks passed Chausiku became more and more demanding to the point of demanding that people work around the clock to remove the stars though they pushed back against that as it was inhumane to ask that of anyone. Chausiku’s temper got worse and worse especially when They saw them working on other projects that weren’t removing the stars that kept Them imprisoned inside that realm and soon an ugly side of Them had emerged and the people were becoming frightened of Chausiku. The people had become truly powerful so they fought back against Chausiku and failed as soon as the first swing of a sword was swung. Going against the might of a Maker was unthinkable so for the time being they obeyed as Chausiku watched over them like a cruel king.

> The Four Mothers: While the people’s true home was now in the exo realm some people would go between the Core Realm and the exo realm at leisure, mostly to visit friends and see how things were but mostly it was to keep the area occupied to make sure no one else would wander into the area and uncover the secrets lying in the cave’s lowest section. It was at this time that a (trans) woman by the name of Mbali was about to return to Star Rift when the four obelisks cracked and from them emerged four beings though one of Them rapidly flew out of the cave and into the sky. The other three beings reached out to Mbali and asked if the prisoner was loose to which she shrugged. She, like every other person, had heard Chausiku’s side of the story but there was no other counterpoint to Their story so they had to take Their word as the truth. These three strange beings with heads similar to Chausiku’s, except Their heads are like a star in mid supernova, gently asked her if the Father of the Cosmos was still imprisoned or not and when she said They weren’t these beings told her the truth. The Father of the Cosmos was the one that was responsible for the Big Bang event and for a long time the cosmos were a chaotic mess of life exploding until eventually it all settled down. They weren’t too happy with things settling down and They wanted the universe to remain in that chaotic state for eternity while making the night eternal which would throw life off balance and threaten existence. The Concept of Existence gave the order and hundreds of Makers fell upon the Father of the Cosmos until They were beaten, stripped of Their full power and exiled to that realm where those beings imprisoned Them and refused to return to the universe to keep an eye on the prisoner and make sure They never escape. Mbali explained everything including Chausiku’s sudden change in temperament and mood and the three goddesses asked her to call on her people.

Mbali slowly spread the word and during the day, the only time that Chausiku was indisposed due to Them being heavily tied to the night, all the people left the realm and returned to the Core Realm to have a meeting with these three goddesses who then explained everything to all of them. Having been double crossed by one divine being the people were skeptical about these three goddesses and Their intentions. During the chaos Mbali stood up and faced the crowd of people declaring that they were no mere mortals, they were now children of the cosmos with powers and knowledge that rivaled that of the gods and to be subjugated by a traitor was beneath them. That she’d rather face and fight a Maker even if she died than to be used by a destructive force they all had a hand in releasing and causing the world to end. That she’d rather go down in history as a small little star that faced a cosmic Maker bent on destroying life. Her speech moved not only her people but the goddesses as well who in turn vowed to help as much as they could. Luckily the stars that had been holding Chausiku prisoner weren’t disposed of, they were hidden away in the Core Realm. Mbali’s father was a blacksmith and the very first metal weaver who had studied those stars and they minerals and metals unique to Star Rift and had come to understand how to manipulate them into armor and weapons so he and dozens of other people got to work on forming weapons and armors made of the very materials keeping Chausiku imprisoned. Mbali’s father forged her a sword and the three goddesses took the sword and blessed it as well as taking a piece of each of their hearts to form one heart, essentially the heart of a star and embedded it into the sword giving it the name Starheart. The goddesses also blessed Mbali turning her into the very first Dreadquasar warrior powered by green starlight. Chausiku was a Maker and by rights could not be killed by anyone other than another Maker but the three goddesses would work to at least weaken Them enough to be able to imprison Them again. Once everything was in place an army of arcane berserkers accompanied by three cosmic goddesses charged into the realm only to be met by a much bigger army that Chausiku conjured once They suspected the people had been plotting against Them.

> War of the Starquake Gate: The people alongside the three goddesses went to war against Chausiku and Their army. The war lasted over a year (from mid 115 CE to late 116 CE) and both sides took casualties though all Chausiku had to do was create more warriors so in a way Their army was unending. Eventually Mbali and the three goddesses were able to wear down Chausiku enough for Mbali to get close enough to drive her sword through Their heart. Noticing that the act had injured and left Them weakened, Mbali took that opportunity to break off half of the blade leaving a chunk of the blade in Chausiku’s heart. This injured Them enough to turn the tide and the more They fought back the more They wore Themselves out until eventually the three goddesses were able to open the tear and sent Chausiku into it and sealed Them away but not before placing a powerful enchantment on the shard of the Starheart so that They or anyone else could never remove it. So now Chausiku has to live with that shard keeping Them weak for all eternity or until They meet Their end at the hands of another Maker.

>> Culture: The Nyota’s entire culture revolves around the cosmos, everything is heavily influenced by the cosmos to the point where it’s almost in their DNA. While no Nyota shuns the day time or the sun, as it is also of the cosmos, they do everything necessary and important during the night, from festivals, ritualistic ceremonies to important meetings, the night holds the culture together while the people themselves are the glue.

It’s safe to say that they, as a people, really came together during the war to imprison Chausiku, or as They are often referred to as “The Betrayer”. Taking inspiration from Mbali’s heartfelt speech before the war they have taken to calling themselves the Nyota people. Nyota being Swahili for the word star. Despite having gone to war with Chausiku and feeling betrayed by Them, the Nyota still hold true to Mbali’s words. They were born again through Chausiku and thus consider themselves children of the Father of the Cosmos. The three goddesses that aided them are still living among the Nyota and have been given the title of the Celestial Mothers and in turn each goddess took on the appearance of the Nyota themselves and adopted names befitting their culture as a sign of respect and devotion to Their children and Their new home.

While the Nyota keep to themselves they are very much a very warm and welcoming people. They love to help those in need and even go so far as to defend those that need help, they welcome visitors to their village outside the cave in the Core Realm though they ask that outsiders keep from entering the cave as it is sacred to them. This is both true and a way to keep people away from the cave. While the chamber that houses the portal to Star Rift is enchanted so that it appears and even feels like a deadend they thought it was best not to hide completely from the rest of the world as it would entice those that are curious and nosey and would pose a threat to keeping their secret of the realm and Chausiku. The Nyota have made it their life’s work to keep Chausiku imprisoned because if They were to ever escape it would mean the end of life and would throw existence into imbalance. So they hide in plain sight, appearing as mundane as possible to deter curious eyes from wandering in areas they shouldn’t wander into while maintaining a friendly disposition.

Only Nyota and family of Nyota are permitted into Star Rift. The one and only exception is Oracle and even then a Nyota must be with them at all times.

To the outside world the Nyota are known for being friendly and nothing exemplifies this more than their way of greeting family or a close friend. The usual form of greeting is both parties embrace with one arm around the other around the shoulders as their foreheads touch. They place the remaining hand upon each other’s heart. While that’s more of a personal greeting a more casual one between strangers is slightly bowing their heads and placing a hand over their own heart.

The way they say farewell is when a person places a hand over their heart and extends that same hand towards the person they’re saying farewell to. This is usually seen as silently telling the other person(s) that their heart is with them followed by “stars guide you” or “cosmos guide you”. Either is fine and depends on the person’s choice.

> Clothing: The Nyota tend to stick to traditional means of clothing while in the village in the Core Realm and especially in Star Rift. Their clothing consists of wraps, tunics, sarongs, shuka, boubou and other traditional garments. Since their roots consist of many different cultures they have taken pieces and parts of them and united them into one and this reflects greatly in their clothing. The Nyota use cotton, silk, leather and furs for making their clothes which they complement with jewelry. The jewelry they wear is made of materials only found in the land of Star Rift. You could say the Nyota are a bit vain as they take great care and pride in their appearance from their clothes, to the jewelry they wear, their makeup and especially their hair which they often adorn with gems, jewelry, beads, and even glitter made of organic materials. The Nyota dress to impress even if it’s just to go to the market and back or entertaining guests in their homes. However, this does not mean that they tolerate any type of insult towards those who do not go above and beyond to look their best for an occasion. At the end of the day it’s a personal choice and one tied to the individual’s level of comfort.

When it comes to gender expression the Nyota are accepting of any and all forms of expression. None of their clothing, jewelry or makeup is considered to belong to one gender specifically. Anyone can wear whatever they want without fear of ridicule or persecution.

> Education: Despite being a people heavily influenced by magic and the arcane the Nyota are extremely pro science and while they may live in a realm outside of the Core Realm they have kept up with knowledge of advances in science and medicine though still cling to their own methods of medicine which consist of mostly plant based medicine. They have salves, pastes, pills, potions, and even use magic to heal to an extent. Healers and apothecaries are among the most respected.

Aside from being healers and scholars the Nyota are, at heart, natural born warriors with a storied past and culture. Blacksmiths and metal weavers are also highly respected in Nyota culture. While berserkers themselves can conjure up their own armor and weapons metal weavers and black smiths are still an integral part of society for not just making weapons and armor for those not of berserker blood but for architecture and engineering as well. Even their animals have armor made for them, specifically war and hunting animals.

As children they are taught to write and read and by the age of 10 most Nyota children know three to five languages. From ages 8 to 10 they are taught of their heritage and history. At the age of 10 they start “shadowing” members of society to see what occupation they would like to learn. Most children decide between the ages of 15 and 17 and begin their apprenticeship. Some specialize in one occupation while others study and prepare for more than one.

When it comes to magic, yes, the Nyota still rely on and use astral magic. It’s virtually embedded into their DNA and over the centuries has molded them. They have no real need to “learn” to use magic as it comes naturally to them as it’s a part of them. By the age of 5 Nyota children can start using magic though parents and/or guardians guide them in discovering their abilities.

> Religion: As previously mentioned the Nyota’s entire culture revolves around the cosmos as does their religion and belief system. The Nyota are a polytheistic people worshiping the Celestial Mothers, the Fallen Constellation, and the Mother of the Cosmos.

As mentioned previously the three Celestial Mothers now reside in the Star Rift as Their home among the stars is no more. When Chausiku was exiled Their plunge into the realm broke the constellation They were a part of and the Celestial Mothers fell alongside Them. Now all four are the subject of worship in the form of being sought out for guidance and wisdom as well as knowledge and strength. They make no official ruling or community decisions for any Nyota or the people as a whole.

Each mother has wisdom in different aspects:

Aberash is the de facto leader of the Celestial Mothers and is the mother of war, politics, offensive magic, and smithing.

Nuru is the mother of the harvest, healing magic, medicine, and flora and fauna.

Berhane is the mother of the arts (basically anything and everything involving any form of art), defensive magic, commerce, education, and tonal (aka vocal) magic.

Technically there are four Celestial Mothers, the fourth Celestial Mother is named Nomathemba and She spends every single day all day and night long patrolling the exosphere of the planet. It’s said that if She were to stop patrolling, something horrific and terrible beyond the scope of understanding would find something hidden on Earth and would come to collect. Not much is known about the situation but the Nyota and anyone else who is aware of Her are more than grateful for her duty and sacrifice. She is the mother of patience, sacrifice, duty, and endurance. People look to Her for help during tough times. Though She spends Her life in the exosphere She’s been known to project Herself down to the realm and mingles with the people. Her presence alone is calming and people have said that they feel a warmth in their hearts when looking upon Her. It’s also said that She blesses those who help others without seeking glory or reverence. She highly favors the selfless. She’s the youngest of the Mothers. Even while She patrols She can be seen if one looks carefully. If you were to focus on the space between the stars, that space that seems to swallow all light or look up between the clouds on a sunny day you’ll be able to see a faint glimmer sliding across the sky. That’s Nomathemba.

The Fallen Constellation is a constellation that ceased to exist when Chausiku was driven from the cosmos themselves and while it can never be replicated or put back together it still holds a lot of great power as a sigil. It’s often tattooed on Nyota people, in artwork, used in magic, it’s made into jewelry and is pretty much the symbol of the Nyota’s faith.

Once Chausiku was imprisoned another Maker took Their place, this one is only known as the Mother of the Cosmos and was said to have been Chausiku’s partner (at least in terms that non-divine can understand). She led the other Makers in taking down Chausiku and is worshiped by the Nyota as it’s through Her that the Nyota gain their strength, power and arcane knowledge.

> Burials and the afterlife: Berserkers are usually long lived but arcane berserkers live even longer, however, that doesn’t mean they’re immune to death. Bodies are prepared by priestesses and priests and as the sun sets the bodies are ceremoniously burned with family and friends and the community present to say one last farewell. A cold type of fire (arcane in nature) is used to burn the body as it’s much faster and the ashes are gathered and placed in adorned urns that the family takes with them. During the night friends and the community as a whole spend time with the family of the deceased person keeping them company and sharing fond memories and stories of the person. While people do weep and cry you’ll mostly see people laughing and rejoicing since to the Nyota death is just a journey the person takes to join the Mother of the Cosmos among the stars. Those who have died are then seen as having ascended and joined the cosmos where they feast, spar, hunt and run across the cosmos. The family keep the urn and prepare for the following night to spread their ashes to the wind in a more private and quiet manner.

Burning the body and spreading the ashes is symbolic. The body is “destroyed” while the essence is released and spreading the ashes unhooks the essence of the person so that they can make the journey to join the ancestors and the Mother of the Cosmos among the stars.

To bury a body is to trap that person’s essence within the corpse leaving them trapped forever or until a kind soul takes mercy on them and burns the body and spreads the ashes. To deny a Nyota a proper burial is to damn them for eternity and it’s only been done to people who have shown great evil. Leaving their essence trapped in their corpse is seen as a type of punishment for atrocities committed.

> Celebrations, festivals, ceremonies: The Nyota have a lot of festivals, ceremonies, traditions, and celebrations. Among these traditions is the naming of their children. When a person first becomes aware that they are pregnant they and their partner(s) (if there is a partner present) come up with a name for the baby but keep that information to themselves and once the name is chosen they don’t speak the name out loud. Once the baby is born the parent(s) wait until night time to present the baby to the village/city/town and to the very cosmos themselves and speak the child’s name for the first time. If the child is born at night the parent(s) present the child and the name right then and there as the people celebrate.

Weddings are a blow out and the celebrations for them are always huge. Like with everything else they must be done at night. There’s a lot of food, drinks (both alcoholic and non) and dancing and storytelling (about the newlyweds, these stories are to be kept tasteful and respectful, a wedding is not the time to talk about raunchy subjects or to be gross, no, it doesn’t matter if it’s in the form of a joke or not).

There are plenty of festivals but the big four are:

War of the Starquake Gate: this is a celebration devoted to having pushed back against Chausiku and imprisoning Them back into the tear. This celebration lasts all week long and the final day is celebrated in a huge way with fireworks, food, drinks, snacks, dancing, singing, storytelling and more. It takes place on the final week of November.

Eve of the Singing Comets: this isn’t exactly a party but more of a calm reflection. Falling stars bring about a certain magic that allows the veil between the living and the dead to vanish for one night and this in turn means that people can communicate with their deceased loved ones. Every year on May 19 three comets accompanied by millions of falling stars adorn the night sky and the dead and the living reunite for a few minutes. This is often used to say goodbyes, present new family members, get some closure or even see each other again. Some people do this yearly while some don’t once they come to terms with the death of a loved one to let them rest among the stars. It’s a very personal event that’s mainly done among family. While the reunion lasts a few minutes the people taking part can continue to celebrate the lives of the ones they lost. This can even be done in the Core Realm, while the three comets cannot be seen in the Core Realm falling stars can still remove the veil through an enchantment known to the Nyota.

Festival of the First Star: Mbali was a very big deal and she continues to be a revered figure in Nyota history to the point where she’s seen as a saint. Her willingness to face a Maker alone gave the people the strength they needed to fight off a tyrant in the making and hold back the end of life. The entire month of December is dedicated to her and the festival itself is on December 21 (her birthday). As usual there is a lot of dancing, fireworks, singing, storytelling, food, snacks, drinks, and so much more. This takes place at night and at the temple of the Fallen Constellation.

Queen’s coronation: the coronation of a new queen is huge, it’s a massive big deal and all of the Nyota come to celebrate at night in the palace with the usual festival amenities. The new queen is crowned and presented with the Starheart by the high priestess and once the crown is placed on her head she gives a speech and participates in the celebration among her people. This one isn’t as frequent as the others but when it takes place it really shakes the entire realm.

> The Nyota Zodiac: The Nyota have their own zodiac and it’s based on the phases of the moon. Depending on the phase of the moon on the day or night you were born is what sign you were born into.

The Orbit (new moon phase)

The Galaxy (waning crescent phase)

The Comet (third quarter phase)

The Hypernovae (waning Gibbous phase)

The Void (full moon phase)

The Exoplanet (waxing Gibbous phase)

The Black Hole (first quarter phase)

The Pulsar (waxing crescent phase)

> Mbali and the Starheart: As has been repeated, Mbali was and still is a very big deal in Nyota culture. Not only did she convince her people to take arms against Chausiku but she was the reason why the Celestial Mothers were able to imprison Chausiku again. On top of that she was the very first Dreadquasar warrior. Her sword, whose shard is still sunk into Chausiku’s heart to this day, is a mythical weapon treasured by the Nyota to the point of it being holy/sacred to them. The sword has been passed down from queen to queen to symbolize her strength, compassion, wisdom, empathy and her right to lead the Nyota people. The hilt is made of a mix of neutronium and crushed meteorite. The blade itself is made of star stone (the solidified stars that kept Chausiku at bay) and purple starlight. Aberash, Nuru and Berhane had taken a piece of their own hearts to form one heart, the heart of a star, and used it to power up Starheart so that Mbali could have a fighting chance against a Maker. Starheart would never dull, would never rust and held within it the power of three cosmic goddesses.

After the war ended the Celestial Mothers repaired the sword using golden starlight and presented it to Mbali as a gift during her coronation. She became the first queen in a long line of queens, each passing down the sword that defeated Chausiku. She served her people alongside her wife for 110 years which are remembered as peaceful and successful.

She was so loved by the people that she was ultimately made into a saint with her full title being Queen Mbali, Saint of the Cosmos. All temples have a statue of Mbali as well as a festival dedicated to her.

> Leadership: The Nyota are a people ruled by a queen and her chosen consort. If she does not desire a consort she is not obligated to have one. Only women (yes, this includes trans women) or nonbinary people have the right to rule and serve the people. Usually the role is passed down from generation to generation unless the queen has no children or all of her children are men. In the case of no female or nonbinary children a son of the queen will be chosen by her and that son’s wife or partner will become queen. If there are no children the general of the Nyota army will be chosen as queen.

The general (title of Starborne Warrior) of the army is also a position permitted to only women (trans women included)  or nonbinary people.

There’s a second general (title of Sunborne Warrior) who leads the Queen’s Guard. An elite and powerful group dedicated to conserving the queen’s safety at all times. Much like the warriors of the Princess Guard in the Eclipse Rift, the warriors within the Queen’s Guard go through rigorous training and take on a grueling test to see if they really are Queen’s Guard material. Only the best of the best make it. The Sunborne Warrior position allows anyone of any gender or lack thereof to hold that position.

> Queen’s Guard test: As mentioned above the Queen’s Guard are the elite of the elite and must prove that via a test after a year of training. But before training can begin the individual must have served in the army for at least three years and must come with a list of references from warriors of higher rank including the Starborne general. Once accepted the training can begin. At the end of the year all potential graduates must pass a test. All warriors must hunt down three of Star Rift’s top predators which so happens to be the wild void. The warriors are sent out on foot, with some rations, water, medical kits and only a single weapon assigned by the Sunborne general themself for each warrior. No one is permitted to shift into their berserker mode and while there’s two Queen’s Guard warriors accompanying the group they cannot interfere at all. They have to fight these creatures as barebones as possible to prove that they have what it takes to join the Queen’s Guard.

>> The arcane berserker subtypes: There are two types of berserkers in the world: your common berserker and arcane berserkers. As explained, arcane berserkers are berserkers that have ascended through astral magic thanks to Chausiku. They are the only berserkers in the world that are able to use magic while in berserker mode. Berserkers, while beings of magic, cannot use magic while in berserker mode and even outside of berserker mode have a difficult time with wielding and using magic. There are some extreme examples ((Loke being one of them)). It’s not that they aren’t permitted to learn and use magic, it's just that it is extremely difficult for them to be able to use it and takes far more time and effort to try to learn to use it. When the Celestial Mothers blessed Mbali she became the first Dreadquasar warrior and as time went on other subtypes of arcane berserkers emerged. Modern arcane berserkers can be classified into 3 subtypes:

Dreadnebula Warriors: these rely purely on the arcane arts for combat. The weapons they wield are small and are made of starlight weighing virtually nothing. They usually have cloth or very light armor though the protection they give is astronomical. They also have physical differences. Dreadnebula have stardust embedded into their skin and eyes which is said to power up their arcane abilities. When in berserker mode their eyes change into what looks like a swirling nebula. They are powered by red starlight.

Dreadmeteor Warriors: these rely on magic but mostly as buffs used on themselves and allies. They usually wear medium to hulking armor and have massive weapons. The armors and weapons are made of solid neutronium. Their strength is second only to the divine and even then they’ll be able to take on any divinity foolish enough to face them. These are powered by black starlight.

Dreadquasar Warriors: these warriors are a super rare combination of both Dreadnebula and Dreadmeteor warriors. Like the Dreadnebula they have patches of skin adorned with stardust though in smaller portions, in berserker mode their eyes look like an exploding supernova. This is the only class of Nyota berserker that can switch between cloth, light armor, medium armor and heavy armor though most people stick to one for the most part. These warriors are also masters of a wide range of weapons unlike the other two classes who at most master three weapons. They are powered by green starlight. Dreadquasars can trace their lineage all the way back to Mbali and these are usually what the queens of the Nyota are.

>> Blacksmiths, metal weavers and elemental smithing: While all Nyota are berserkers and have their own weapons and armors, the art of blacksmithing is still very highly appreciated and honored. Blacksmiths use engineering and astral magic to make sturdy and deadly weapons that can cut down any enemy. From unaltered weapons and armors to weapons that can wield the power of the elements and armors resistant to the elements.

Botanists and blacksmiths work side by side and make use of the altered flora found in Star Rift. During the making of a weapon and/or armor the petals or leaves are used to make the weapon use an element or is used in the making of an armor to bolster the resistances of any element.

Fire lilies (Gloriosa Superba) are used to give weapons a fire element. On armors this will fight off the element of fire. ((This altered version of Gloriosa is not toxic though it is significantly hot to the touch.))

Whistling Thorn Acacia (Vachellia drepanolobium) are used to give weapons a wind element. On armors this will fight off the element of wind.

Giant Groundsel’s (Dendrosenecio keniodendron) flower is used to give weapons a frost element and on armors it’ll fight it off.

Thornapple (Datura stramonium) gives weapons a poisonous effect. However, thornapples grown and tended by Nyota in Star Rift come in three variations. Those that bloom in the day have a powerful poison that attacks magical properties of their victims robbing them of their abilities temporarily. Those that bloom at night attack the bloodstream quickly incapacitating them. Those that bloom at dusk or dawn attack the immune system making the victim far more susceptible to other elemental damage regardless of the armor they wear or their defenses. Placed on armors will make the wearer less susceptible to each poison. And no, all three cannot be placed together in the same weapon or armor as they cancel each other out.

Comet Orchid (Angraecum eburneum) imbues the  weapon with actual astral magic, no, the wielder does not need to know astral magic to use the weapon as the magic is in the weapon itself. On armors it resists magic.

Blue star water lily (Nymphaea nouchali) gives weapons a water element and resistance to it on armors.

White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) gives the weapon a lightning element and resistance on armors. ((The lightning is of a white color because of the petal.))

All weapons imbued with an element have characteristics of said element manifested upon the weapons whether it’s a bit of frost buildup on the blade or crackling lightning dancing around the blade. Once an element has been added to a weapon it cannot be taken off.

Ever since the creation of Starheart all Nyota have taken to naming their weapons. The names chosen are personal and can be anything the wielder wants it to be. While it’s a form of tradition they don’t exactly take it too seriously.

>> Relationship with Oracle: As mentioned in the beginning Oracle agents are permitted into Star Rift and any other sister nation as long as it is agreed upon between Oracle’s leader, and the current queen of the Nyota, Subira that just so happens to be Jelani’s maternal grandmother. Without consultation between them the Nyota can and will forbid any Oracle agents access to Star Rift or Eclipse Rift.

The Nyota and Oracle have an outstanding relationship with some being Familiars and the royal family having strong ties with Oracle especially since one of the queen’s own grandsons is currently the acting leader and set to become Oracle’s leader in the future once Aleksey steps down. The Nyota handle their own affairs but Oracle has allied themselves with the Nyota and can, will and have come to the Nyota’s aide when things get a little out of control. The Nyota have even assisted Aleksey in the past with knowledge of the arcane and magic and some have even been made Familiars. Oracle has even implemented some of the Nyota’s own creations into their arsenal, best example being a little gadget simply known as “blue orbs”. Small orbs made of a thin material that has a liquid within it that can be swallowed or smashed on the injured person’s body. The liquid heals most non-serious injuries and stabilizes those who have sustained catastrophic injuries in the field until they get medical care. Oracle has also commissioned Nyota blacksmiths to enchant bladed weapons with elements. While the Nyota don’t exactly have much use of currency from the Core Realm they’re still paid in the country’s currency (Kenyan shilling) which in turn they use to help other people around them.

> Wardens: Wardens are somewhat of a “new” group. This group consists of people both of Nyota descendance and non-Nyota that have helped the Nyota with keeping Chausiku imprisoned as They have made attempts in the past to escape. The last escape attempt had been in the year 898 CE when Sanaa was reunited with her family and had brought her family along to meet hers. Jelani’s presence stirred Chausiku and They tried to escape. Wardens usually sport a tattoo  to signify their role in helping to keep Chausiku from escaping.

[tsalala]

how come pretty much all the male lions have names, but so few lionesses do? at least it seems that way from your posts (not hating on you or anything, i'm aware you're not the one in charge of it. just something that caught my attention). are they not worth naming too?

in south africa (i.e. sabi sands, kruger national park) there’s less of this naming culture compared to places like the serengeti-ngorongoro ecosystem and maasai mara. tanzanian and kenyan lions, you’ll find guides/photographers/lodges naming even the cubs. the famous olonkera got his name as a youngin’ because he was found to be quite tolerant of his younger siblings, hence his name which means something like “baby sitter.” in the marsh pride, there’s the lionesses bibi and pamoja and charm & the rest. in botswana, ma di tau and silver eye were made famous by the jouberts. in namibia, the lionesses alpha, bravo and charlie are known for their devouring seals over land animals. et cetera, et cetera. you’ll find this naming culture also extends to non leonine big cats in other places in the world too: machli, collarwali, and their descendants come to mind. the first machli in particular is the progenitor of “the lady of the lakes” bloodline - an unofficial title given to tigresses who control the lakes region in ranthambore national park.

when it comes to south african lions, personal names are less important. it’s why i get so confused at times when i hear people talk about “(insert pride name) young male” or “(insert pride name) female” because there are so many lions who belong to the same natal prides and bloodlines. my favorite pride, the tsalala pride, is made up of one lioness and she has no name at all and neither did her late mother. people tend to differentiate the girls by nicknames like xyz princess, xyz mother, or some other instead.

as for why south african male lions seemingly get personal names more often than lionesses - and this is just my opinion - i think it’s just the simple fact that people are more interested in males than females. not only that but south african national parks & lodges are probably the most popular out of all the lion safari parks in africa and india. there’s a reason why not just male lions but south african male lions like the mapogos, majingilanes, west street males, avocas, birmingham boys, and them have a large following. more interest in males means a closer perceived connection to them than females, which means more drive to give them personal names over their mothers and sisters and daughters. for example, i can name the mapogo boys off the top of my head but i can’t name their spartan sisters from the same natal pride.

[good-old-gossip]

Maasai people are being beaten and forced to relocate from the land they’ve called home for centuries – so the government can boost its tourism and conservation efforts. ⁣ ⁣

A new report from Human Rights Watch says at least 82,000 indigenous Maasai people are due to be relocated from their homes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, even though they have a right to occupy the land. ⁣ ⁣

[brettgilbreath]

Three Incredible African Safari Destinations

Africa is a famous vacation spot, with millions of tourists visiting the continent yearly to go on safari, a word in Swahili meaning trip. Visitors who go on safari have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wild animals in their natural habitat. Among the many safari destinations, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are considered to be the best places to experience the beauty and splendor of the African wilderness.

For good reason, Kenya has long been regarded as the birthplace of the safari. It is home to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, which gives tourists the chance to see the "Big Five" (elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, lion, and leopard) and other wildlife including giraffes, hippos, and hyenas in one location. The Mara's diverse topography, from expansive savannahs to green riverine forests, provides the perfect backdrop for wildlife observation and photography.

The best time to go on safari in Kenya is during the dry season, which runs from July to October. This is when the spectacular Great Migration takes place, with over 1.5 million zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest moving from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Maasai Mara in search of greener pasture. To reach the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration—which is recognized as one of the world's new wonders—the animals have to swim across the Mara River, which is packed with crocodiles, and sadly, many of them do not make it through the crossing. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards that lurk in the Maasai Mara still pose a threat to those animals that survive the Mara River crossing. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Kenya and its neighbor Tanzania to witness the Great Migration.

Between July and October, travelers to Tanzania can also be a part of the Great Migration at the popular Serengeti National Park, which rivals Kenya's Maasai Mara in terms of natural beauty and wildlife. Tanzania is also home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage that hosts thousands of wild animals, including a large population of lions, elephants, wildebeest, and rhinos, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world.

Another must-see destination in Tanzania is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak. While not a traditional safari location, the iconic mountain adds to Tanzania's allure, offering opportunities for trekking and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Travelers interested in a more cultural experience can also interact with the Maasai people, a nomadic tribe living in Tanzania and Kenya who have rich traditions and a strong bond with the land and wildlife.

In South Africa, a well-liked safari attraction is Kruger National Park. This park is one of Africa's largest wildlife sanctuaries, spanning around 20,000 square kilometers. More than 500 bird species and 147 mammal species call it home, and many of the Big Five animals can also be spotted by visitors at Kruger National Park. The ideal time to go on safari at Kruger is also during South Africa's dry season, from April to October. At this time, animals congregate around waterholes and are easier to find because of the scant vegetation.

South Africa provides opportunities to visit wineries, seaside towns, and historical places like Nelson Mandela's jail cell at Robben Island, Cape Town, for people who want to mix a safari with other pursuits.

[ptseti]

nstructor W ✊🏿🇺🇸❤️🌍 @CryptoMoonCadet The Maasai Akus dance is a traditional dance form of the Maasai people, a Nilotic ethnic group residing in Kenya and Tanzania. This captivating dance holds deep cultural significance for the Maasai community and is performed on various occasions, including weddings, ceremonies, and celebrations.

The Akus dance is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic movements, accompanied by the rhythmic chanting and singing of the dancers. The dance is typically performed by a group of warriors, known as morans, who showcase their strength, agility, and coordination through intricate steps and jumps.

The dancers adorn themselves with traditional Maasai attire, which includes vibrant garments, beaded jewelry, and distinctive accessories such as spears and shields. The colorful attire adds to the visual spectacle of the dance and represents the Maasai cultural identity and heritage.

The Akus dance is not only a form of entertainment but also serves as a way to preserve the rich Maasai traditions and pass them down to future generations. It is a means of storytelling, where the dancers portray significant events and historical narratives through their movements and expressions.

This traditional dance also holds symbolic meanings within the Maasai community. It is believed that the Akus dance brings blessings, prosperity, and good fortune to the participants and the community as a whole. The rhythmic movements and chanting are considered a form of communication with the spiritual realm, connecting the dancers with their ancestors and the divine forces.

The Maasai Akus dance has gained international recognition and has become a popular attraction for tourists visiting the Maasai lands. It provides a unique opportunity for outsiders to witness and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people.

The Maasai Akus dance is a captivating and culturally significant traditional dance form of the Maasai people. It showcases the strength, agility, and cultural identity of the dancers, while preserving the customs and traditions of the Maasai community.

[humanrightsupdates]

Tanzania: Indigenous Maasai Being Forcibly Relocated

Consult Communities, Restore Social Services in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

(Des Moines) –Tanzania’s government is forcibly relocating Indigenous Maasai residents from their homes and ancestral lands in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Before further relocations are planned or carried out, the Tanzanian authorities should restore essential public services and consult affected communities to seek their free, prior, and informed consent.

The 86-page report, “It’s Like Killing Culture,” documents the Tanzanian government program that began in 2022 to relocate over 82,000 people from the NCA to Msomera village, about 600 kilometers away, to use their land for conservation and tourism purposes. Since 2021, the authorities have significantly reduced the availability and accessibility of essential public services, including schools and health centers. This downsizing of infrastructure and services, coupled with limiting access to cultural sites and grazing areas and a ban on growing crops, has made life increasingly difficult for residents, forcing many to relocate.

“The Maasai are being forcibly evicted under the guise of voluntary relocation,” said Juliana Nnoko, senior researcher on women and land at Human Rights Watch. “The Tanzanian government should halt these relocations and respect the rights of Indigenous people and rural communities by ensuring their participation in decisions affecting their rights and livelihoods through genuine consultation, access to information, and consent of Indigenous groups.”

The NCA, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), a government entity. The area has been home to the Maasai for generations.

[everydayesterday]

Half-moons: The Maasai secret weapon - BBC Africa

Kenya’s Masaai community are using a clever technique to reap big rewards in the fight against climate change. Little ‘half moons’ dug into farmland – otherwise known as ‘water bunds’ - capture rainwater, allowing it to sink into the ground instead of washing away. And that means seeds can actually take root and vast areas of land can once again turn green. Maasai conservationist Lanoi Meitiekini explained to the BBC how it works.

—

[These are also known as semi-circular bunds or zai pits (though these are typically smaller), and efforts like these are taking place across the Sahel region (the areas bordering the south side of the Sahara Desert]