Study of Masai (original)

David Shepherd

CBE OBE FRSA FGRA


David Shepherd studies of masai
Studies of Masai
24 x 36 inches
Oil painting on canvas
Sold October, 2005
$19,200

Maasai men are first and foremost warriors. They protect their tribe, their cattle and their grazing lands.
Maasai society is strongly patriarchal in nature, with elder men, sometimes joined by retired elders, deciding the most important matters for each Maasai group.
They wear the colour red to represent power.
Maasai (not Masai) is the correct spelling of this noble tribe: it means people speaking maa. Masai was the incorrect spelling of the British settlers and has remained in current use.
The Maasai have always been special. Their bright red robes set them apart visually. Spear in hand, they are calm and courageous regardless of the danger.
The armed British troops who drove the Maasai from their lands in the early 20th century had great respect for these fearless tribesmen.
Up until recently, the only way for a Maasai boy to achieve warrior status was to single-handedly kill a lion with his spear.

Sir William Russell Flint.
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the wildlife of Africa, India and Britain, prints and paintings by David Shepherd