The masai of Cinisello Balsamo!

Just before the summer break, we had organised a photoshoot at the cultural centre of cinisello Balsamo. Until the eve of the shooting the models turn up wasn’t satisfactory, so together with the photographer we went “model hunting” at the main square. Luck was not on our side as nobody was entering un our cast criteria. we were almost giving up and going back to publish the casting online again when I an idea struck me! I passed by the public library a I saw hundreds of students outside just as I had imagined. I called the photographer to come back and we began scouting. That’s how we met these amazing students who became our models for the cultural promotion shooting!

This is Matteo Sperti. 20yrs old studying medical Radiology Techniques at the university of Milano Bicoca

This is Christian Desogus. 21yrs old working at UBS milano

We will be narrating briefly about some Maasai traditions alongside the images of our models.

The MAASAI JUMP Is a sort of mating dance, a way for a young Maasai man who has just become a warrior to demonstrate his strength and attract a bride. …

Two men enter the centre and begin to **jump**, heels never touching the ground, straight into the air as high as they can go. Christian and Matteo almost nailed it but their knees weren’t straight enough😊

THE RUNGU

“Rungu” is a weapon made from the Baobab wood found in the coastal regions of Africa. This particular one has a nipple like shape in the centre of the rod and the masai use it to kill lions by aiming straight in the middle of their skull.

THE MASAI BLANKET/ SHUKA

Recent years have seen shuka cloth popping up in the fashion world and gaining fame all over the globe.The Maasai identity is often defined by colourful beaded necklaces, an iron rod (as a weapon) and of course, red shuka cloth