What do the Maasai do with a dead lion?
The Maasai depend strictly on livestock (cow, sheep and goat) and do not eat game meat. Three products are used from the lion: the mane, tail and claws. The mane is beautifully beaded by women of the community, and given back to the hunter. The mane is won over the head, only during special occasions. The mane helps warrior from far communities to identify the toughest warrior. After the meet ceremony, when a warrior becomes a junior elder, he must throw the lion mane away. The warrior must make a sacrificial event for the mane prior to throwing it. At this time, the warrior must slaughter a sheep and grease the mane with a mixture of sheep oil and ochre. This sacrificial event is done to avoid bad spirits. The mane has special spiritual attachment to the warrior. It is a must for a warrior to honor the mane. The lion tail is stretched and soften by the warriors, then hand it over to women of the community for beading. The warriors will receive the tail back when the beading service is
