TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
Type of Object:
Reference:
- Massai Beaded Collar
20th c.
- This traditional beaded Massai necklace or collar (called an
“engarewa”) from central Kenya is worn for weddings and
when the woman goes to the home of her husband for the
first time. These necklaces are hand-made by the mothers
of the young women to be married. This dramatic and
colorful wedding necklace has several long beaded strands,
which sweep toward the floor and feature a cowry shell sewn
onto the end of each strand. This collar features the
traditional colors of beads: red, blue, white, orange and
green; and is hand-stitched onto leather backing. The
brightly colored triangles on the front of the collar denote the
tribal clan.
- They are famous for their fierce warrior abilities, their
respect and love for cattle, and their intricate and colorful
beadwork adornment. The beading skills and traditional
patterns are passed from mother to daughter, from
generation to generation. Working outside while keeping
careful watch on their young children, these women create
delicate, multi-colored beaded jewelry, garments, and other
accessories worn by both men and women for every day
and for special occasions and feasts, and serve to identify a
person's place in society, and many of their designs and
colors carry symbolic meaning.
- Massai Society
- Kenya, Tanzania
Leather, beads (red, blue, black, white, orange and green),
courie shells
- Approximately 13 1/2" across the center. This necklace is 1-
½ inches in diameter and is 34 inches long.
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