ct a curse upon their juniors, an age-group may curse an age-mate, fathers may curse children, wives may curse husbands, and so on. The curse is essentially an appeal to God (Enkai) to punish a wrongdoer. The Maasai believe that in order for a curse to be effective it must be morally justified, and the ritual curse is a powerful means of control utilized by the elders. This idea of the age-grade system provides an example of tradition and beliefs of the Maasai which are necessary for order and continued respect among members of society. This form of authority is similar in some ways to a form of self-governm
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