Maasai Culture presentations and Batik Art Workshops with Nicholas Sironka

For those of you that attended any of the Friends of Sironka dance troupe programs, you know what a remarkable speaker, Fulbright Scholar and Artist, Nicholas Sironka is. We are excited to present the speaking series "Feed me with words"  with Sironka beginning April 6th. This is an opportunity for corporations, community organizations and schools to book an interactive session with Nicholas to learn about his Maasai culture through stories, words of wisdom and to drive the message of cultural diversity and global citizenship for your group. Sironka is also available for Batik workshops for schools and groups that prefer a more hands-on experience.

Program Options

Maasai Culture Presentations

This is a lecture style Assembly program on Maasai Culture lasting thirty (30) and in addition a fifteen (15) minute Q & A session.

Topics to be covered include:

• Kenya: The people, the land, and an introduction to the Maasai of Kenya.
  
• Some well kept Myths of the Maasai people.
  
• Child-bearing, Motherhood and early education of Maasai  children.
  
•  Clans, maturity and the age set system. 
  
• Warrior, songs and transition. 
  
• Body Art , beauty, and being Maasai.     
  
• Marriage and family life.   
  
•  Leadership.
  
• Architecture and housing.
  
• Religion and the Maasai.

Batik Art Workshop

The Batik Art Workshop promotes enhanced creative thinking and innovation. It provides an enriching experience for beginner artists as well as . Beginners and experienced artists of all ages are welcome. This is a hands-on program that give students and beginners in art and Batik art an opportunity to take part in the wax and dye painting process. Students can either produce an individual work of art, or work together to produce a single piece.


You  provide the following: 

• One 36”X36” wooden table. 
• One power extension cord. 
• Well lit room.Roll of paper towels. 
• No more that 25 students per class.   
  

We provide: 

• Paint brushes
• Dyes and wax for use in the painting process.   
• The artwork created by students will be yours to keep!

Speaking Locations

San Francisco Bay Area

Do you know of a school or community group that you think would enjoy hosting an assembly or Batik workshop with Nicholas? Please Share this information with them. 

Dates

April 6th - April 24th

About Nicholas Sironka

 Nicholas Sironka is a Maasai leader educated in the ways of the world. He is a He is also He received a Fulbright Fellowship to the U.S. in 2000. As a scholar in residence, he taught Batik art and Maasai Culture at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington and at countless elementary schools, high schools, colleges and around the country.  In 2001, he returned home and immediately embarked on a personal quest to uplift the living conditions of his people, the Maasai.  He and his late wife, Seleina, created the dance troupe, "The Friends of Sironka". He has since returned to the United States of America as an artist in residence, and as the leader of  The Friends of Sironka over 15 times. Cheza Nami had the pleasure of hosting the group at sold out performances in the Tri-Valley in February 2015.  Sironka is also the founder of the Kenya Arts & Culture Center in Spokane, WA.  Sironka strongly supports educating Maasai youth and ‘keeping young girls in school’. Sironka sees education as a means of preserving the Massai culture and traditions. Sironka serves on the Advisory Board of International School-to-School Partnerships. Sironka will be here to teach Batik art and/or lecture on the Maasai culture through his talk, "Feed me with words". For more information on Sironka and his work, go to www.sironkamaasai.com

"Feed me with words" 

When two people of the Maasai tribe meet, they will exchange a greeting with the salutation…

…“Peace be with you" 

immediately be followed by,

 “Feed me with words.”

Each will slowly take his turn, to tell the other about his family, how the children are, the state of the weather back home, how the cattle, sheep and goats are fairing, and even say a little about his extended family and neighbors! Their words, abbreviated by a proverb or two are what amounts to "nourishing each other with words".

Having fed each other with words, they will then go on to discuss that which had brought them together.

 Today the buying and selling of goats and sheep!

 The Maasai... 

 “ My People, My Pride!”

"I am Nicholas Sironka, a Kenyan born Maasai Batik artist residing in Spokane Washington. I am also a motivational speaker, and derive my strength in this area by tapping into the ways and Culture of our people, the Maasai. My words of encouragement are tailored to suite ALL ages.

 My Philosophy:

"If I can use my talent, to touch another life and make it better, then I will be fulfilling the purpose for which God put me on this earth". 

For over twenty years now, I have worked on developing my Batik art technique, with every art piece being accompanied by a descriptive caption to further enhance an understanding of that facet of Maasai Culture that I have produced. (Please see a sample of my art here below - actual size: 56" X36" ).

I also paint in water colors, oils and acrylics, but I believe I am at my best when working with hot wax, and cold water fabric dyes, (Batik - an art form that originates from Indonesia). With my art I strive to help bring about a greater understanding of the Maasai Culture.

Through my speaking forums I have articulated and helped many understand the oral Culture of the Maasai, while enabling all my attendees to clearly see that though we hail from different regions of the world, we share many similarities in our Cultural values and beliefs. 

My art and lectures have always sought to advance a philosophy of world peace, and emphasized the need by people from all over the world to embrace, and accept one another regardless of our diverse differences.