AN EAST AFRICAN TRIBE

Evening Star, Issue 11673, 4 February 1902, Page 8

AN EAST AFRICAN TRIBE

Under the somewhat misleading title ‘ The Last of the Masai,’ by Sydney Langford Hinde and Hildegardo Hinde, we have excellent study of the most interesting people that have come into relations with the Protectorate of British East Africa. By “ the last of the Masai,” Mr Hinde explains, the last of a disappearing people is not meant, but the last of the pure blood oi the Masai, uncontaminated by civilisation or mixture with Banta elements. Being a nomadic rather than a trading tribe, the Masai whom the authors have studied were not to be “ sized up ” with ease or en bloc. Mr and Mrs Hinde have devoted much tunc and care, it is'evident, to observation of the customs, characteristics, religion, and pursuits of the people. Their report of them is full of interest, and valuable on account of its many-sided investigation. The Masai are, on the whole, a well-made, good-look-ing race. Extraordinary is the difference between the lives of the men and women. Males in childhood and youth have a rough time, made up of hard work and blows. The young girl does no work- bhe has a real good time— dancing, singing, adorning herself. Once married, the tobies are turned, and when woman gets old she slaves from mom to night nntu quite decrepit. Yet these old women are mvariably cheerful