CloakNational Museums of Kenya
Meet the Ogiek
The Ogiek live in Kenya's Mau and Elgon forests. They are known as farmers and beekeepers, but are also skilled artists who make clothing and ornaments.
Cape (1967)National Museums of Kenya
This was traditionally a women's recreational activity, while the men made and dressed themselves in prestigious wild animal skins, and adorned themselves with plumes.
CapeNational Museums of Kenya
This large cape was made of thirty three hyrax skins, sewn together in three rows of eleven skins. It was made by women and girls, and would have been worn by both men and women when they went to the forest. These kind of capes were also used instead of sheets and blankets.
CoatNational Museums of Kenya
This beautifully designed coat (aguriek top poinik) is made of monkey skin and cow hide. It was made and worn by men while hunting and gathering in the forest, and during traditional ceremonies.
CapeNational Museums of Kenya
This cape was made from the skins of about eighteen hyrax, decorated round the neck with a few small beads. It was made by women and girls, and both men and women wore them for warmth. One of these capes would last around seven years.
HEADDRESSNational Museums of Kenya
This monkey skin and cotton cloth headdress was stitched and worn by men. It would have been worn while out hunting and gathering.
Cap (1965)National Museums of Kenya
This cap is made from the skin of a blue duiker (a small antelope) and was used by young middle-aged men. It has a few beads to make eyelet holes for thongs, which would hold it on the head.
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