Decoding The Maasai Colours
Come explore and learn about the meaning and significance of the Maasai symbols and colours.
The Maasai are one of the culturally richest communities in Tanzania. They were previously a nomadic society but are now predominantly pastoralists.
Even with the changes brought in due to modernization, the Maasai still wear their culture proudly, the colours that the Maasai wear also have deep symbology. There are seven major colours in their culture, and each represents a core part of their life.
White is seen as a sign of blessing, peace and health. The association with health also comes from cows’ milk, which is a staple food of the tribe and is also used in certain rituals. White chalk was often used to draw special protective designs on the face, legs, or torso.
White beads especially feature a lot in Maasai beadwork, especially those of the people living in Tanzania. This is a major distinction between the Kenyan Maasai and Tanzanian Maasai. The jewellery of Maasai in Kenya is comparatively more colourful.
Another colour that is often associated with the tribe is Red. Red symbolizes bravery, unity, and blood. It is also seen as the colour of Maasai ethnicity, especially the Morans (warriors) prefer wearing red Shuka, a traditional garment with a check board pattern.
Traditionally, in some rituals, the Maasai would rub a mixture of ochre and cow fat on the face. As the colour of blood, red signified kinship, life and vitality.
Black is seen as a holy colour. Newly circumcised boys wear black cloth and continue to do so until they are initiated as a Moran. It is said that this will help them get special protection from their God, Engai. Engai was referred to as the “Black God”.
Black bulls were required for the sacrifices made at major age-set ceremonies and the dark blue beads (which were categorized as black) worn by married men and women marked the sanctity of their marital bonds.
Blue represents energy and the sky. Rain falls from the blue sky which provides water to the people and the cattle.
Orange symbolizes sun and hospitality. The calabash, a vessel made of dried gourd used to store milk and porridge is orange in colour. It is often used to serve drinks to the visitors.
Yellow, like orange, also symbolizes hospitality. The Maasai use animal skin as mattress or in chair or slip seats. The skin is yellow in colour.
Green represents the pastures and grass. The cattle are healthy when feeding on the green grass. The colour symbolizes health and land.
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 FUELProject Partners: Vijana Inspiring Foundation, Vikram Solar Ltd., Lions Club of Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Google Arts & Culture
