Olosh-oibor Cultural Show 2008

This annual one-day event is organised by Simba Maasai Outreach Organization (SIMOO), and attracts thousands of people. It is held at Olosh-oibor villages which lie in a beautiful and peaceful spot south of the Ngong Hills in Kajiado District, on the floor of the Rift Valley.

The competitions include dancing, singing, beadwork and the construction of traditional houses, called nkajijik(sing. enkaji) in the Maa language. People also show their domestic animals – cattle, sheep and goats.

“I like the show because it displays my cultural practices which have not been displayed recently, such as the putting on of traditional necklaces and bangles, and dancing and singing of traditional songs. It also brings together different kinds of people – not only Maasai.”
Veronica Naipelu Ene Sitonik, who won second prize for the traditional house she built specially for the show (pictured).

(All photos: D. L. Manzolillo Nightingale)

Link for further photos of the Olosh-oibor Cultural Show 2008