Our work area is particularly challenging due to the fact that we have several different tribes living in the landscape. The tribe I mainly work with is the
Barabaig tribe. They are traditionally nomadic tribe numbering around 50,000 people and they have slowly migrated southwards. There is a fasincating anthropology book called
The Barabaig: East African Cattle Herders that is a bit outdated but provides fascinating observations from their past. While they've traditionally been a highly secretive society our organization has worked closely with them to reduce the traditional activity of hunting wildlife. Whether it is for prestige or in retaliation for livestock being killed, hunting wildlife, especially carnivores, has been central to the Barabaig culture for many years.
Although they aren't as "flashy" as the Maasai in regards to traditional dress and jewelry, the Barabaig still practice many of their traditions, including
ceremonial "dancing" events and other gatherings celebrating birth, marriage, and death. As the population of Tanzania has grown the nomadic lifestyle has become harder to maintain. Many of the Barabaig realize these modern challenges and have found working with our organization to be an opportunity. I was initially skeptical to be working with the group, especially in regards to "changing their culture" but I truly believe that our project came at a perfect time where many Barabaig were looking for opportunities to integrate into society. As the society has become more open and their relationship with our organization has grown, I've continued to learn more and more about their culture and lifestyle.
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