AdministratorWhy do the Maasai tribe wear jewelry?
Jewelry as a Cultural Practice Beaded jewelry is not just decorative, but a vital aspect of Maasai culture. Jewelry is made and worn to indicate age and social status as well as to mark important events.
What is Maasai jewelry?
A Maasai necklace is a traditional east African necklace, worn by the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania. They are the most common type of African necklaces and are especially worn along with custom Maasai attire such as decorated dresses, beaded bracelets, beaded earrings, and decorated sandals.
What is Maasai jewelry made of?
Initially, Maasai women used dried grass, sticks, clay, seeds, and shells as materials to make the traditional ornaments. Over time, they began using attractive beads made of plastic and glass that they obtained from other communities through trade.
What do Maasai beads represent?
The beadwork embodies the Maasai culture, representing beauty, tradition, strength, and sometimes even social status. “Women met up in groups and beaded jewellery worn by both men and women during different events and occasions,” Nashilu shares. “Beads are a symbol of beauty.”
Where does beaded jewelry come from?
The art of making glass beads probably originated in Venice, Italy. In any case, we know that this area had a flourishing industry in the production of beads by the early 14th century. from there the production of beads moved to other parts of Europe, the most notable being Bohemia, France, England, and Holland.
What do the colors of the necklaces mean in the Maasai tribe?
The main colours used in Maasai beadwork are; Red – stands for bravery and unity, Yellow or Orange – symbolises hospitality, White – represents peace, purity, and health, Blue – represents energy and the sky, Green – symbolises health and land, Black – represents the people and the struggles they must endure.
Where do Maasai beads come from?
Beads of the Maasai were traditionally made out of local products – Bones, clay, wood, copper or brass – those natural resources got set aside as soon as tiny glass and ceramic beads became available through trade with Europeans. Today, most of them come from the Czech republic!
What are the importance of beads?
They are a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, body shaping, first menses, protection, seduction, and wealth, amongst other things.
What are Masai beads made of?