Creating Sustainable Footwear for the Maasai
Zebidayo demonstrates how he makes footwear out of rubber tyres for the Maasai community in Arusha, Tanzania
Rubber Footwear (2021) by Advithi EmmiProject FUEL
Maasai footwear is primarily made out of rubber tyres. This footwear is a popular choice amongst Morans (Maasai warriors), as it is durable and comfortable for their lifestyle.
Long walks (2021) by Vibhor YadavProject FUEL
The Morans walk long distances, on uneven ground, while grazing cattle. The sturdiness of the tyre allows people to walk long distances on tough terrains. The rubber footwear protects their feet and keeps them comfortable.
Zebidayo (2021) by Siddharth GovindanProject FUEL
Zebidayo is a young Maasai who makes custom footwear and sells them at the Maasai market in the village of Nanja. He has been in this profession since he was 20 years old.
From the dumps (2021) by Sabit TisekarProject FUEL
He shared that the tyres are sourced from local garbage dumps. These can be old discarded tyres or new ones that are defective.
Measuring the length (2021) by Siddharth GovindanProject FUEL
To create one pair, he first measures the length of the foot against the tyre part and cuts out the excess rubber.
Trimming edges (2021) by Siddharth GovindanProject FUEL
The edges and sides of the cut piece are then trimmed and curved.
Adding the straps (2021) by Sabit TisekarProject FUEL
The next step is to add straps to support the feet. The length of the straps depends on the measurement of the feet. To distinguish between the left and right footwear, one has to see which strap overlaps in the middle of the footwear. If the strap on the right-hand side is above the one from the left side, then that footwear is for the right leg, and vice versa.
Mending a shoe (2021) by Siddharth GovindanProject FUEL
Once the position of the straps is decided as per the comfort of the customer, the straps are nailed down to the footwear.
Sustainable Footwear (2021) by Sabit TisekarProject FUEL
The footwear is now ready to be worn. Zebidayo shared, “This footwear not only helps in recycling old tyres but is also sustainable and can last up to 5 years.”
Beading a Bracellete (2021) by Vibhor YadavProject FUEL
It is now a popular choice amongst not only the Maasai but also many tourists. To make them more attractive, many people now add beadwork to their footwear.
Customizing footwears (2021) by Sabit TisekarProject FUEL
Zebidayo sells about 3 to 10 shoes a day. He creates custom footwear for every one of his customers. People have can choose between a new or an old tyre as the base. He wants to save money and open a shop which he will name “Maasai Shop”. His life lesson is “Don’t wait to get employed by someone, employ yourself”.
Tyres You Can Wear (2022) by Project FUELProject FUEL
Director: Surya Balakrishnan
Producer: Apoorva Bakshi and Deepak Ramola
Associate Producer: Ayushi Jaiswal
Director of Photography: Sabit Tisekar
Drone Cinematographer: Vibhor Yadav
Additional Cinematographer: Siddharth Govindan
Editor: Ajit K Nair
Assistant Editor: Akash Patel
Sound Designer and Mixer: Teja Asgk and Jubin Raj
Assistant Sound Designer and Mixer: Prince John Carelet
Colourist: Sanchita Sen
Project FUEL would like to thank the Maasai community in the Losimingori village of Arusha, Tanzania for opening their hearts and home to this research.
This exhibit is part of the Wise Wall Project, an initiative of Project FUEL, to document, design, and strengthen the wisdom of rural communities and marginalized villages using art and community outreach programs. In the third edition of this project, we collaborated with the Maasai, in Arusha, Tanzania, to build an on-ground community centre for the people and bring an exclusive insight into the life, lifestyle, and learnings of this inspiring community.
Photography: Vibhor Yadav, Siddharth Govindan
Wall Murals: Poornima Sukumar
Canvas Art: Advithi Emmi
Cultural Consultant and Translators: Kaay Ndoika Lengima, Elisha Olchakai Kirumui and Lemali Ndoika
Research, Interviews and Curation: Project FUEL
Project Partners: Vijana Inspiring Foundation, Vikram Solar Ltd., Lions Club of Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Google Arts & Culture
