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Here I am with a woman after I had purchased several pieces of fabric from her. We only had to write one number in the dirt during our bargaining process. In addition to the fabric I also purchased a handmade Maasai knife with a goat skin sheath for about $2.50.
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This is a Maasai man who was witnessing our bargaining process. Unfortunately, you can't see his teeth in the picture. Since the Maasai work with animals I guess they are prone to tetanus (or so I am told) so when a child reaches about 6 years old, they knock out the two bottom front teeth so that if the child gets tetanus and the resulting lockjaw he/she can be fed through a straw. ( I commented that is sounds like the Maasai would be a good market for the tetanus vaccine as getting a shot every 10 years sounds a lot more pleasant that getting adult teeth pulled without anesthetic. However, I was told that it has now become a deep set tradition to knock out the front teeth and they usually do it even if there is no risk of tetanus).
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2 comments:
I love this photo, how his face is illumniated by the indirect sunlight, and the softened but vivid colors of the background!
I agree about loving this photo. It is so alive, almost lit from within!
About the teeth thing: I have been sitting here trying to think of an "incisive" pun, but couldn't. :) Looks like I'm all out of biting witticisms.
Seriously, though, that sounds like a real drag. Being fed through a straw, having the teeth knocked out, and so on. Even if you had your teeth knocked out, it would still be better to get the vaccine, because then at least you could still eat. I notice you already have your public health hat on.
Those merchants looked so friendly. I have noticed about pictures from Africa that most people seem to be smiling. We could learn to have more joy here in this country, where we seem to have an excess of possessions, but also an excess of stress and commitments, and seems to me less smiles.
-Aaron.
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