The Maasai people are renowned for their vibrant culture as evidenced in their beautiful bright attire, language, and nomadic lifestyle. But one aspect of this community’s culture that is often overlooked is their traditional religion. Many aspects of traditional Maasai life are tethered to their beliefs, thus shaping their perception of the world around them.
Enkai – The Supreme Being
The most central element of Maasai belief is in Enkai, the Supreme Being who is the creator of the universe. Enkai, also called Engai or Ngai, translates to “the one who originates”. This deity is neither male nor female; they are incomparable to anyone or anything. Enkai resides on Ol Doinyo Lengai, the active volcanic mountain in Tanzania whose name means “the mountain of God”. This mountain is the most sacred place in all the land for the Maasai, and prayers to Enkai are offered at its foot.
Enkai is known by many other names including Nalakua nataana, “the one who is far and near”, in reference to their immanence, and Nendaronai “my red light of dawn” in reference to Enkai’s abode in the sky. The name Parmuain, “the one with many colours” speaks of their multifaceted nature. The Maasai use different colours to convey Enkai’s state. Enkai narok, “God is black” is signified by the dark thundering rain bearing clouds that nurture the earth, while Enkai Nanyokie, “God is red” is signified by cloudless skies that indicates their wrath for their people.
Religious Significance of Cattle to the Maasai
Enkai is also perceived as the creator of all cattle, making these animals central to Maasai culture. As one of the creation stories goes, there was once a time when the sky was one with the earth. Enkai lived among their people and cattle. For reasons unknown, the sky and earth separated, dividing Enkai and the cattle above and the Maasai below. Since the cattle needed grass from the earth to survive, Enkai transported them down using the aerial roots of the oreti (fig tree) and charged the Maasai to care for all cattle. Cows and sheep therefore embody a deep spiritual significance to the Maasai, and so does the fig tree. To this day, most of the community’s rites and rituals are incomplete without the slaughter of a cow or sheep.
Olapa, the Laibon, and the Guardian Spirits
Aside from Enkai, the Maasai also believe in the existence of another deity. Olapa, the goddess of the moon, is Enkai’s wife who lights the earth at night. They also believe that each person has a guardian spirit assigned to them at birth. This spirit wards off danger and at one’s death, carries them off either to a land of rich pastures and abundant cattle or to the desert, depending on the person’s deeds during their life.
The bridge between man and God are the laibon. These are the spiritual leaders of the Maasai who possess powers of healing and divination. Every Maasai clan has an oloibon (singular) who officiates ritual ceremonies, heals his people, and offers advice to the elders on spiritual matters. The laibon are from chosen blood, and so this title is confined to specific families and passed down through generations.
Comment and let us know what other names Enkai has, and what other spaces are considered sacred to them.
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