Informing this Maasai tribe that all of their cattle will need to be eliminated will be extremely difficult for these people to accept. The life of the Maasai tribe of Kenya is based around cattle. Practically all status and social roles originate from the connection of the Maasai males to their cattle. Cow's milk and blood from the cows is the main food of the Maasai. They do not eat their animals but only trade them for crops. That is why immediately replacing their cattle is important. The measure of a man's wealth is in terms of cattle and children. The size of his herd and the number of his children determine his status and importance. Speaking to the Maasai about slaying there cattle will be exceedingly challenging because cattle …show more content…
Their differences in their environment and culture affect their sensations of life. The Maasai select different interests in their culture to focus on than most cultures. Doing away with the cattle of the Maasai will be interpreted quite differently than what it would mean for us. For the Maasai, cows reinforce and express their identities. The very survival of the Maasai depends upon the health and strength of their herds. As you can see, perception of their cattle is not independent of their cultural environment. When their herd is destroyed it will mean great strife and grief for the tribe and I would imagine anger towards you. The Maasai are extremely attached to each and every cow so that destroying them will be distressing. Also since in the Maasai culture they do not break the ground burying the cattle near them will be traumatic. They will not break the ground to bury the dead or to excavate for water because of their desire to not anger Ngai (“Maasai Livestock,” n.d.). I would suggest eliminating the cattle in another area away from the Maasai tribe and only after the replacement cattle are delivered. This will be a very delicate process and tact and understanding will be a great