Dimensions: H:29.9" W:5.9" L:0.4" Weight: 0.2 lbs.
Maasai Beaded Jewelry - The Maasai beaded handmade jewelry is a tradition from this tribe in Southern Kenya. Beaded jewelry has long been a tradition among the Maasai people. Previously, the tribe made jewelry out of natural materials such as clay, wood, bone, copper, and brass, to name a few. When trade with Europeans began in the late 19th century, glass beads became readily available, and the Maasai continued their tradition of beaded jewelry with them. The beading is done by Maasai women, who create such unique jewelry that can be worn by both men and women. The tribe wears the beaded jewels throughout their lives. The colors and structure of Maasai necklaces can reveal a person's age, social status, marital status, and even a woman has given birth to a boy or a girl.
About the Tribe
Maasai also spelled Masai (this is incorrect spelling of the British settlers and has remained in current use) are nomadic pastoralists of East Africa. Maasai is essentially a linguistic term, referring to speakers of this Eastern Sudanic language (usually called Maa) of the Nilo-Saharan language family. These include the pastoral Maasai who range along the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania, the Samburu of Kenya, and the semipastoral Arusha and Baraguyu (or Kwafi) of Tanzania. The pastoral Maasai are fully nomadic, wandering in bands throughout the year and subsisting almost entirely on the meat, blood, and milk of their herds. Their bright red robes set them apart visually. Spear in hand, they are calm and courageous regardless of the danger. Until recently, a Maasai boy would only be crowned a warrior if they killed a lion single-handedly using a spear. Of course, this does not happen anymore as protection of the precious wildlife is paramount. Traditional Maasai people's lifestyle concentrates on their cattle which make up the primary source of food.