THE MASAI

The author, an authority on the American Indian, has turned her attention to a unique African group, the Masai herders. Although the language is simple, the book has the direct and thoroughgoing quality of a National Geographic article. The coverage of Masai government, customs and culture is complete and concise. The author states that the Masai are carefully taught from childhood on just what their role in their own society demands and that they know what their duty is in any situation. She then demonstrates by tracing the way a boy is taught to be a man, how he enjoys his warrior years and then, by tradition, gives up his youth reluctantly, but gracefully, and is initiated as an elder of his tribal group. No aspect of Masai living is ignored here. From the economy based on the herds-- to the music and dance of festive days, this is an anthropological report for younger readers. Well written, well organized and well illustrated by Kisa N. Sasaki.