TABIBU—translated to
Swahili means “to heal". Tabibu Africa believes there are two types of healing—healing for the human body and
healing for the human spirit. We have a passion for and are committed to both. In essence,
humanitarian work is a way for us to give back to the world and help those who
have limited means to help themselves. We absolutely relish in humanitarian
work and each mission brings new challenges,
new accomplishments and a new sense of why we do what we do.
Though we have several projects we focus on one of our main concentrations is providing free medical care for hundreds of Maasai, living on the Maasai Mara. Moreover, we find many whom are receiving free medical care want to, in their own way, pay for our services. Payment often coming in the form of us being the honored guests at a village feast, treated to traditional Maasai song and dance, as well as presented with eloquently crafted beaded jewelry. All of which are considered their way of paying for our humanitarian services, services which are rarely afforded to them.
Though we have several projects we focus on one of our main concentrations is providing free medical care for hundreds of Maasai, living on the Maasai Mara. Moreover, we find many whom are receiving free medical care want to, in their own way, pay for our services. Payment often coming in the form of us being the honored guests at a village feast, treated to traditional Maasai song and dance, as well as presented with eloquently crafted beaded jewelry. All of which are considered their way of paying for our humanitarian services, services which are rarely afforded to them.
Although some jewelry worn by women is only for special occasions, most jewelry is worn throughout an entire stage of life. Some indicates an increase in wealth and her place in life. A married woman adorns beaded necklaces as she grows older. Each piece of jewelry in its shape, patterns, and colors speaks of the wearer’s culture. People within that culture can tell a woman’s exact status–her age, marital status, even whether she has given birth to a son–by observing her beaded jewelry.
Men adorn similar elaborate bead work with different meanings, from warrior-hood, elder-hood, and fatherhood, all bead work is done by the women of the tribe.
Red ~ signifies danger, ferocity, bravery, strength, and especially unity because it is the color of the blood of the cow that is slaughtered when the community comes together in celebration.
Blue ~ is significant because it represents the sky which provides water for the cows.
Green ~ represents the land which grows food for the cattle to eat. Green also represents the health of the Maasai community. A local vibrant green plant called Olari which grows tall and plentiful, as the Maasai hope they will too.
Orange ~ symbolizes hospitality, because it is the color of the gourds that hold the milk that is offered to visitors.
Yellow ~ also suggests hospitality because it is the color of the animal skins on guest beds.
White ~ represents purity, because white is the color of milk, which comes from a cow, considered by the Maasai as a pure and holy animal. White also represents health, because it is milk that nourishes the community.
Black ~ represents the color of the people, but more importantly the hardships we all go through in life. It suggests that difficult times are experienced by everyone and those difficulties are a natural sequence of life.
It is with gratitude
that Tabibu Africa accepts, but does
not require these unique forms of thankfulness from those we serve.
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