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The Ilomon Project is dedicated to preserving the endangered traditional medicinal knowledge of the Maasai people in Northern Tanzania. Named after the Maa word for “stories,” the project captures the rich oral traditions of Maasai plant medicine, ensuring that this invaluable cultural heritage is documented and accessible for future generations.
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At the core of our mission is the creation of a comprehensive, multilingual database that serves as the largest repository of Maasai medicinal knowledge transcribed in their native language. By combining photographs, videos, and voice recordings, we aim to preserve both the practical and linguistic elements of these traditional remedies.
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Orbibyai, Lion's Ear
The project was founded on the belief that cultural preservation is integral to sustaining community health and identity, especially in the face of land loss and urbanization. For rural Maasai communities that lack access to modern healthcare, traditional medicine remains a vital lifeline. The Ilomon Project not only safeguards this knowledge but also seeks to empower the Maasai by providing them with a resource that celebrates and sustains their heritage.
As we grow, we look forward to collaborating with researchers, cultural preservationists, and Maasai communities to further document and protect this invaluable tradition. Join us in our mission to keep the traditions of Maasai medicine alive.