Cattle are crucial in Maasai culture, symbolising wealth, status, and prosperity. They are integral to traditional ceremonies, and dowries, and even serve as a form of currency. The Maasai diet heavily relies on cow’s milk and blood, with the latter being drawn using a precise, humane technique and often mixed with milk for a nutritious drink.
The cows are unafraid of humans, often ignoring cars that come close. Maasai herders, or morans, use traditional techniques like spears and sticks to guide and protect their cattle from predators. These cows are well adapted to East Africa’s harsh environment, able to survive on minimal water and food during dry seasons, making them invaluable to the Maasai.