Maasai jewellery (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
In the Maasai tribe, traditionally it is considered a social duty for women to learn how to make beaded jewellery. The jewellery is not only a symbol of beauty, but is also seen as a cultural and social symbol. For every important ceremonies or rituals, Maasai women make jewellery for their family members.
Warrior Technique of Beading (2020) by Harjono DjoyobisonoProject FUEL
One of the traditional beading technique used by the Maasai tribe to make ceremonial jewelry for Maasai warriors is called the Warrior Technique. Traditionally, male warriors are adorned with beaded armour, which is gifted to them by the proud women in their lives.
Maasai earrings (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
The recycled thread from old grain bags is rolled to create a strong thread for beading, and pieces of recycled plastic from yogurt pots are used to hold the thread in place. The beads are threaded through these strings one by one.
A young Maasai woman (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
With time, the traditional designs are changing. Be it adding contemporary aesthetics or using beadwork in cultural artefacts like spears and arrows. Maasai women are also being encouraged to learn new skills in process.
Bringing the traditional and modern together
One such outfit that is breaking new age Maasai jewellery to the markets is Sidai Designs based in Arusha, Tanzania. Sidai Designs works in collaboration with a number of Maasai women to create handmade, contemporary jewelry and accessories. Their mission is to preserve an age-old African beading tradition, work to create sustainable jobs and economic opportunities for Maasai women, and produce unique pieces that blend beading customs with a contemporary aesthetic.
Neema, a silversmith (2020) by Harjono DjoyobisonoProject FUEL
In Tanzania, using tools, fire and chemicals is widely considered men’s work. The female Maasai artisans at Sidai thought the same as they first began cutting metal, until they realised they could create beautiful pieces from basic elements.
Selina, a silversmith (2020) by Harjono DjoyobisonoProject FUEL
This inspired, encouraged and excited them, motivating them to continue learning traditional silversmith techniques such as filing, annealing, soldering, buffing and polishing.
Maasai Necklaces (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
Honouring the determination and hardwork of their silversmiths, Neema, Selina and Esther, Sidai Designs created the Warrioress Collection.
Traditional Maasai designs have been transcended into a contemporary collection of elegant beaded silver frames, entirely handmade by the first female Maasai silversmiths in Sidai workshop in Tanzania.
Inspiration behind the Warrioress Collection (2020) by Hayley ZieroldProject FUEL
The textures and patterns of the collection are inspired by the ceremonial attire and old artefacts owned by Maasai tribe members. The shapes are inspired by the traditional Maasai jewellery items like collars (disk like necklaces) and earrings.
Contemporary Maasai jewellery (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
The arrow, which is seen as an important Maasai artefact is featured in many jewellery pieces.
Neema Studs (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
Using the age old skills, Maasai women have carved a new path for themselves to create their own identity, preserve their heritage and become financially independent in the process.
Maasai earrings (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
Maasai beadwork is gradually gaining popularity across the world and has become a symbol of empowerment for the women who make them.
Project FUEL would like to thank Sidai Designs for creating this exhibit and the Maasai community in Monduli, Arusha for opening their hearts and home for this research.
Images and Products by Sidai Designs
Sidai Designs works in collaboration with a number of Maasai women to create handmade, contemporary jewellery and accessories. Derived from the Kimaasai word, ‘Sidai’, means ‘good’ or ‘beautiful’. Their mission is to preserve age-old African beading tradition, work to create sustainable jobs and economic opportunities for Maasai women, and produce unique pieces that blend beading customs with a contemporary aesthetic. They are based in Arusha, Tanzania.
