Maasai Oral Histories
The Maasai Oral Histories Project aims to record and archive Maasai oral histories, myths, rituals, stories, laws, and beliefs, which are traditionally passed on by senior elders.
The Expedition Begins
Bob Pearlman
12/05/2004, Kichwa Tembo

We'll spend the next three weeks interviewing senior Masasai elders and recording their personal memories and stories passed on from generation to generation.

We'll begin at Mara Rianta, with elders Ololgoo ole Tompoi, Lesetu ole Kisemei, Ole Mariko, and Rokoyian ole Sopia. Then we travel to Lemek where we'll interview Maseyia Ololmaitai, Lemomo ole Yiaile, Lemeria ole Karia, and Olkitejo ole Sananka.
In Talek, we'll talk to Kishan ole Tira, Naiji ole Naurori, and Ole Rasoe. The last area in Masa Mara that we'll work in December is Aitong, where we'll record the stories of laibon Motoron ole Mako.

We will select the best speakers and invite them to participate in the January sessions when we'll be recording at local Maasai classrooms. They understand that this is an important opportunity to preserve the stories for their children and grandchildren. Even in the short time I've been here, I've heard repeatedly that the Maasai way of life is finished.

Please join us in January when the Field Journal will connect the Maasai classrooms with American classrooms, and students will be able to join in, ask questions, and share their own stories.