The Maasai are pastoralists. Herding cattle has been at the heart of their existence
for countless generations. A man's stature in the community is defined
by the number of cattle he has. If a man wants to marry a woman,
he must pay a 'dowry' of cattle to the girls father. Cattle are Maasai currency.
Goats have importance in the community, too.
Project TEMBO provides funding so that groups of women
can own goats for milk, meat, and as breeding stock.
It is a small business that supports families.
Herds of wild donkeys roam the country side and
are well suited to the dry environment.
Donkeys transport goods throughout the villages.
Despite their sturdiness, donkeys also suffered greatly
during the 2006 drought.
Sights like this one were common among donkeys, goats, and cattle.
You can see the bones protruding in this cow
but still she has milk to give.
Milk is an essential food to the Maasai.
These Kimokouwa children have found a cow
that has died due to the scarcity of food and water.
In 2006, carcasses like this one littered the countryside.
They were too numerous to bury.
Eventually they were gathered together and burned.
These hides are drying in the sun, a familiar sight on market day.
When the Maasai slaughter a cow or goat, nothing is wasted.