Shannon

If there is anyone out there interested in learning about native peoples,
this is a neat website that is concentrating on the Maasai peoples of
Africa. On this website you can read the journal each day and comment or
ask questions.

Shan
mommy to Connor (3-15-97), Quinn (8-8-02) and Sloane (12-11-04)


http://www.maasaioralhistories.org/


One of the most celebrated peoples of Africa, the Maasai have roamed
the land for centuries, ignoring the national boundaries that sprung up
around them. But today, they are finding themselves increasingly
restricted and misunderstood by the modern Africa that now encircles
them. The traditional Maasai lifestyle is under pressure to change, as
the Maasai find themselves on a collision course with modern society.

The Maasai Oral Histories Project will record and archive Maasai oral
histories, myths, rituals, stories, laws, and beliefs, which are
traditionally passed on by senior elders. Many recording sessions will
take place at local Maasai schools, in a context that allows
interaction between the elders and students familiar with new
technology.

In addition, the Project will be an intercultural experience for
students in the United States. A classroom Study Guide has been
developed to introduce the Maasai Oral Histories Project to various
grade levels. Images and translated text will also be transmitted to
our field journal during December 2004 and January 2005. The
combination of our Study Guide and Field Journal allows the Maasai Oral
Histories Project to be easily integrated into existing social studies,
African studies or geography curriculum with images and text from the
recording sessions, along with age-relevant material to stimulate
interaction between Maasai and American students. If the technology and
circumstance allows, we will send and reply to classroom e-mail on a
daily basis.