I took quite a few anthropology courses eons ago when I was in college. I don't know if it's the same now, but back in the early 80s, taking any of the prerequisite anthropology courses meant one got to read about and see a lot of little films about the Masai.
Many of the Masai still live today quite a bit like they have for centuries. A recent article in the NY Times mentions one Masai village that only just got electricity a year ago. But the article isn't really about that -- this June 3, 2002 article is about the Masai's reaction to the 9/11 attacks -- of which, apparently, quite a few of the Masai only learned of recently.
And they were so moved by hearing of the U.S.'s plight, they arranged to send the people of the U.S. a gift of 14 cows they have especially blessed.
I love the Masai.
