Children’s meeting Place
Simanjiro Tanzania 2006

Natal fig (Ficus natalensis)

Natal fig – “matuba” – (Ficus natalensis) is a sacred tree for the Maasai society. It is a Monumental tree for the reason that the Spiritual rituals are performed under this tree.. Oreteti le-Emboreet is a holy place from time immemorial where generations of Iloibonok (Pl of Oloiboni) have undertaken ritualistic practices for the barren women to get children and for the alleviation of calamities. The council of Elders was consulted in order to allow the youth and children to convert Oreteti le-Emboreet into a Children’s Meeting Place. The request was discussed by the elders and traditional Leaders for a long time with a lot of consultations to the most elderly men within the area. The request was deemed to be genuine and permission was granted in the light of protecting this tree.