The Chief - a Maasai Warrior at the Mara Game Reserve in Kenya

This is the same guy from this image. We were at a camp fire before dinner. He is a Maasai warrior, but he told us that he was the chief in his village. We finally convinced him to 'fess up ... he was really the only boy in his family who was no good at tending the cows, so he was sent to school ... it's not something to be proud of. He has a degree in naturalism. He knows SO much about trees and plants ... he even held MY interest, and that is pretty tough to do because I'm not big on plants.

Any comments or ratings are appreciated! :-)

You really did well with both his portraits Lou Ann, he looks diferent and very well decorated! A colorful Maasai.

Dear LAA, I think he could talk about everything, and still would hold your attention, very impressive

 

-with love Els

Thanks, ladies! Els - you are SO right! This guy talked and talked and talked ... at first he told us all sorts of (false) stories, but after we got to know him, he told us the real stories of growing up and life as a Maasai warrior. He was brilliant.

Beautiful portrait... How lucky you were to have the opportunity to talk with him. Just curious, do they make the beads themselves?

Joan, I think that they make the beads themselves. I know that they make all of the beaded items themselves. He was laughing when we were asking him all kinds of questions about the red cloths. He says that they buy the red cloth from the same companies who sell to fabric stores ... it's much easier than making it themselves. :-) When I was there I bought several beaded bracelets, earrings, etc. and I bought a pair of beaded sandals that I LOVE!

Thanks for the information, Lou Ann. Hope your enjoying Buffalo this winter. Sounds like it's been a rough one.