4 Ways to Re-Imagine Maasai Beadwork
The innovative translation of Maasai beadwork to contemporary artwork, in Arusha, Tanzania
Innovating Maasai Beadwork
A popular souvenir, Maasai beadwork has undergone design innovations which has made it popular in the international markets, in turn benefiting and economically empowering its makers.
Koko Sadera and Nemasi (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
For years, the Maasai tribe practised pastoralism—livestock was their only source of income. The sustenance of each family would depend upon milk from their cows and goats as well as the sale of their livestock.
But climate change has impacted the pasture land. Faced with drought and unproductive dry lands, Maasai communities turned inward, to women, and looked to re-purpose one of their most celebrated traditions—beadwork.
Maasai earrings (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
One outfit that is bringing new design innovations to Maasai beadwork 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.
#1. Beaded Glass Bottle
Inspired by traditional Maasai talking sticks, these Orkuma bottles are one such products that features contemporary Maasai designs with beadwork.
Orkuma Bottles (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
These glass bottles are hand-blown in Tanzania by people with disability, and then beaded by Maasai women.
#2. Spears and Arrows
Spears are one of the the most precious possession of a Maasai warrior. They are used for defending cattles and community against predators. Artefacts like spears have also been re-designed with intricate beadwork.
Arrows adorned with Maasai beadwork (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
Arrows with beadwork. The black and white design seen here is inspired by the Maasai proverb a Maasai without culture is like a zebra without stripes.
#3. Mobiles
Mobiles are made from pieces of Maasai walking stick, which have been wrapped with beading - using thread that once belonged to a grain sack that was pulled apart and rolled into “kiroba” for beading. This is a traditional method of beading used by the Maasai.
Mobiles, redesigned with Maasai beadwork (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
The spiral-shaped pendant seen here is called Surutia. Traditionally, this pendant is commonly worn by married Maasai women.
#4. Wall Hangings
Traditional disk sets are worn by Maasai girls and women on special occasions. The disk sets have been reimagined as wall hangings.
Disks inspired Wall hangings (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
These wall hangings are beaded onto leather, featuring cowrie shells among the intricate beadwork, and the leather is cut by hand.
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.
