ABSTRACT
Few African tribes are so well known as the Masai of East Africa. With their striking physique and noble bearing, they are the obvious choice for the cover photo of a travel brochure or as a symbol of all that is romantic and singular about Africa. Pastoralism has a romantic appeal. The image of the warrior-herdsman—not unconnected with the Hamitic myth alluded to in the last chapter—evokes admiration. His independent spirit and apparent conservatism make him, in the eyes of the tourist, the survival of an Africa that is passing away, if it has not already disappeared. This popularity has given rise to a great many misconceptions about pastoralism in East Africa, which are partly due to the fact that the Masai themselves are not typical of East African pastoralists.
