Maasai Beadwork - a Vanishing Art ?

The Maasai are a tribe of semi nomadic East African people found in Kenya and Tanzania.

Known for the beautiful red “Shuka’s” (blankets) which they wear, the spears which they carry and of course, the beautiful beaded jewellery which adorns the bodies of both the men and women.

Maasai Women with beadwork, Kenya (Image Credit : Sneha Cecil, Unsplash)

The Maasai are often referred to as “People of Cattle” as they move from area to area in search of water and grazing for their vast herds of cattle. Their wealth and status is measured by the number of cattle they have. They have an incredible relationship with their cattle, each one is named and they have a special way of communicating with them which includes calls and songs.

In certain parts of East Africa frequented mostly by tourists, you will often find Maasai people posing (and charging !) for photographs - but I assure you, this is how they still appear and dress today – especially in the remoter areas of East Africa.

I am, proudly, African born and have spent my entire life living in and traveling through remote parts of several African countries and I can honestly say that from what I have seen, the Maasai are one of the very few remaining African tribes who still uphold most of their old traditions, cultures and way of dressing and have been relatively uninfluenced by Western culture.

Maasai Women, Kenya (Image Credit : Valerie Baron, Pixabay)

I do, sadly, see this slowly changing now - especially in some of our cities and larger towns.

I have worked with, and lived amongst, many Maasai people during the years I lived in Tanzania and was honoured to have learnt some of their traditions and got to know, and understand, these people first hand.

Sawe, Tarangire, Tanzania (Image : Author’s own)

The Maasai are known for their intricate bead working skills.

Bead working is practiced in all of the villages and traditionally this is the job of the women, and is taken quite seriously, with the craft being taught & passed down through the generations. Even today, it is still all done by hand.

Maasai Man, Kenya (Image credit : Sneha Cecil, Unsplash)

In times gone by the beads used to be made from local raw materials such as bone, ivory, shells and clay but now most of the beads are made from glass. However even today, most of the beadwork is still threaded or sewn on to leather strips, despite newer, man made materials being available.

Maasai Women, Kenya (Image Credit : Alex Strachan, Pixabay)

Maasai beadwork includes head gear, necklaces, bracelets, rings and belts. Items produced for the tourist market include everything from beaded leather sandals (which are absolutely gorgeous !), jug covers, napkin rings, leather handbags and knife sheaths - to mention but a few.

Jewellery plays an important part in the Maasai culture and depending on the person’s age and status in the tribe, different types and colours of beadwork will be worn. Different beadwork is also worn by single or married women and it also plays a big role in celebrations and ceremonies.

Maasai Beadwork Necklace, West Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Image : Author’s own)

My favourite type of Maasai jewellery is the large, collared necklace worn by the women. All the beads are woven onto leather – the back of the necklace is made entirely of rough leather and each necklace is quite large - about the size of a dinner plate.

Many people buy these beautiful necklaces to be used as decorations in their own homes — I have seen them framed and hung on the wall or uses as mirror frames, with a mirror cut in a circular shape and fitted in the middle. They are also very striking when used on a table instead of placemats for a special dinner party, or included as part of a centre table piece.

I hope that the Maasai culture and traditions continue and are never wiped out completely - but I fear that sadly, as with most things in Africa today, with Western culture and influences, the ways of the Maasai may sadly be all but a distant memory - and we will have nothing left to remember them by, save a few dusty glass beads and bits of leather.