Rooted in the Red Earth: An Artist's Journey in Nashulai Conservancy

Located in the heart of the Maasai Mara, Nashulai Maasai Conservancy stands as a pioneering example of community-based conservation. As the first community-owned wildlife conservancy managed entirely by the Maasai people, it is a testament to the power of local ownership in preserving both wildlife and culture. This is why I was thrilled to receive an email confirming my application to the Studio Verde AIR Artist in Residency program at Nashulai Conservancy. My journey to Nashulai as an artist was an opportunity to immerse myself in this unique ecosystem and to explore the deep connections between the Maasai people, their land, and their traditions.

As a visual artist, my work explores the interconnectedness of natural synthesis and cultural frameworks. My focus on identity, mental health, feminine consciousness, and environmental awareness aligns perfectly with the opportunity to delve deeper into my own indigenous Maasai roots. The ‘Co-existence Netii Apa Storytellers Project’ invited artists to collaborate with the Nashulai community to creatively interpret their stories.

In Maasai, ‘Netii Apa’ means ‘Once long ago,’ a common phrase used at the beginning of storytelling. Nashulai's vision is to build ‘Netii Apa Stories Cafe,’ a knowledge centre combining Indigenous knowledge, local tracking, and advanced conservation science. The residency program was a step toward realising this vision.

This opportunity resonated with my ongoing projects focused on learning more about Indigenous Maasai people; creatively documenting and preserving their knowledge through various media such as audiovisuals, 3d scanning, VR, performance art and participatory community activities.

My days at Nashulai were filled with profound conversations with Maasai elders, students, and medicinal women healers. Their wisdom about Maasai rites of passage, traditional healing practices, and the deep spiritual connection to the land was awe-inspiring.

The medicinal walks with women healers introduced me to a world of botanical knowledge which was particularly interesting to me because I was concurrently working on a project to plant and learn more about indigenous Maasai trees in my rural home. The healers identified over fifty different trees, while sharing their significance from immunity-boosting herbs to remedies for trauma. 

The Orpul ceremony, a three-day ritual centred around the slaughter of a cow, provided a profound insight into the Maasai worldview. The meticulous preparation of the herbal mix, combined with the storytelling and prayer, revealed a deep reverence for nature and a holistic approach to well-being.

Inspired by the community's profound respect for nature, fellow artist Coltrane and I created a sensory installation celebrating the wisdom of indigenous plants. Using plant-based materials, we crafted figurines, extracted colours from plants like the Oldarpoi fruit and flowers, and scents from plants like the Leleshwa, known as the ‘Maasai perfume’ because the warriors rub them for their sweet smell while in the bush. 

We also included plant cyanotype prints on fabric, having learnt the skills from fellow artists Jon and Andrew, and even repurposed elephant dung to create containers using their husks to hold the scented balls. The installation became a space for the community to share knowledge and connect with the natural world.

Nashulai Conservancy is a living testament to the harmony achievable when communities manage conservation programs; balancing community needs, land, and wildlife. Memories from the beautiful sunny days at Nashulai fill me with nostalgia. The vast open lands blessed by the raw beauty of wild trees and wildlife, in harmony with the people and their cattle, show the harmony achievable when communities are part and parcel of conservation programs. I spent nights gazing at the clear stars from the tents we slept in, hearing the sounds of the birds, crickets, and sometimes the hyenas.

The closer to nature I am, the closer to God I feel. This experience not only thoroughly educated and empowered me about my culture and creativity, but also improved my overall well-being and appreciation for life and all beings. As I carry the memories and knowledge gained from this journey, I am committed to sharing the story of Nashulai and its people with the world.
                                                                                                                                                                     Article by Naitiemu Nyanjom

Immerse yourself in Maasai culture and wildlife at Nashulai Conservancy. Enhance your Maasai Mara adventure with a unique cultural experience. Interested in an artist residency? Enquire to learn more.