Maasai Cultural Heritage Centre

The Maasai are one of the last remaining indigenous tribal communities in East Africa. Although they have managed to keep most of their traditions and culture, their way of life is on the verge of change. Influences from the outside world, along with natural disasters such as drought, are quickly changing their way of life.

Maasai Cultural Heritage Center is a project funded by the Maasai Association. This is part of their community development initiative aimed at helping the Maasai to preserve its cultural heritage at the same time giving economic opportunities to women artisans from Merrueshi village. The colourful and vibrant collection of intricate beadwork and artifacts present the Maasai's past, present and future.

Objectives


Collect and preserve Maasai tribal art.

Record and preserve Maasai folklore.

Inspire the Maasai to preserve and share indigenous knowledge.

Make it possible for young people, including school children, to learn and care about their traditions and a rapidly changing environment.

 

Community Benefit
In addition to heritage preservation, the center is aimed at expanding economic opportunities to the local people, mainly women artisans from Merrueshi village. Maasai Cultural Heritage Center empowers the women by giving them space to make and display quality beadwork sold to travelers visiting Amboseli National Park.

Our Conviction
The development and survival of the Maasai people is a matter of grave concern to us. We strongly believe we can bring sustainable social-economic development to the Maasai region, while preserving our cultural heritage. We do not have to abandon our traditions and culture to thrive in the modern world.

www.maasai-association.org