“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”
– Mahatma Gandhi
THE SAMBURU AND MAASAI TRIBES
The lifeline of the Red Blanket Project is our two tribal warriors: Jimmy Lekionoo, a Samburu warrior; and Isaac Koruta, a Maasai warrior. Both are integral members of the Red Blanket Project team.
Jimmy and Isaac communicate the needs and logistics for all of the items being provided to these rural Kenya villages.
Jimmy Lekionoo
Samburu Warrior
The Samburu tribes are located in the northern region of Kenya. Here, rainfall is very limited creating dry, barren land. Due to this, the Samburu are nomadic people, constantly relocating to find the best resources for their livestock. Animals such as goats, sheep, cattle and camels are vital to their survival. While the women are responsible for collecting water and forage, the men are in charge of protecting the village and traveling with the livestock.
Traditional Samburu dress consists of a red cloth skirt with a white sash. Beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings are used to make each outfit unique. Dancing is also a big part of Samburu culture. The typical dance of the people is jumping together in a circle. The Samburu tribes are very similar to the Massai tribes, however, they are one of the most forgotten about villages in Kenya.
SAMBURU TRIBE
MAASAI TRIBE
Isaac Koruta
Maasai Warrior
The Maasai are one of the most culturally distinctive tribes in Africa. They are a semi-nomadic ethnic group that primarily inhabits parts of Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their distinctive clothing, customs, and way of life.
In Kenya, the Maasai are concentrated in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Rift Valley Province. They are pastoralists who traditionally rely on their herds of cattle, goats, and sheep for their livelihoods. They move with their herds in search of grazing land and water sources, which can be scarce in the arid and semi-arid regions they inhabit.
The Maasai have a rich culture and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. They have their own language, which is part of the Nilo-Saharan language family. Their traditional clothing consists of bright-colored shukas (blankets) and beads, which are used to make necklaces, bracelets, and other adornments. The beads are also an important cultural symbol, with each color representing a different aspect of Maasai life.