Maasai Village Day 2

The highlight of our second day in Maasai land: observing a goat sacrifice.

After breakfast, we were broken into groups and assigned tasks to help prepare for the event. I collected firewood (prickly acacia branches, ouch) but I was one of the lucky ones….

…yeah, that’s goat poo. The Maasai used it to start the fire needed to heat water and herbs for stew. They then turned their attention to the main attraction. Poor little guy.

Warning: vegetarians became squeamish from this point on. Actually, non-vegetarians did too. My high school FFA meat judging prepared me to watch, and I did okay. The Maasai suffocated him and began the butchery process.

Branches, leaves, heart, and kidney set to boil

Certain organs went into the stew; others were roasted next to the coals. I ate liver, sipped a little of the heart/kidney stew, and drank blood.

Liver

Not so tasty

Disgusting, I know. The Maasai diet actually consists mostly of blood, milk, and meat; porridge sometimes comes into the picture if livestock is unable to meet a family’s needs.

The process lasted, ironically, until lunchtime. After we picked through lunch, we were introduced to Maasai beadwork by the mamas of the village.

The evening held a special opportunity as well: we attended a Maasai dancing and singing ritual (which included the jumping competitions for which the Maasais are well known).