The Poetry of Patterns: Symbols and Motifs used in Maasai Beadwork
Step into the world of the Maasai tribe in Arusha, Tanzania.
A Maasai man with embellished walking stick (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
Maasai beadwork is a cultural practice with great importance and symbolism to the tribal community. Each of the pattern and colours used in the jewellery pays homage to the tradition and belief system of the Maasai tribe.
This exhibit explores the symbolism behind the colourful beads and some of the patterns in Maasai jewellery.
The colours of Maasai beadwork (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
What do the colourful beads signify?
For the Maasai, each colour of the bead and pattern represents symbolism that is deeply rooted in their culture. The same is reflected in the type of jewellery they wear, the occasions when they don it, and the age-set they represent.
Red for bravery, unity, and blood
Red is the colour of cows blood. Often a cow is slaughtered when the Maasai meet and therefore unity is associated with red.
White represents peace, purity, and health
The association with health comes from white cows milk which the tribe drinks to stay healthy.
Blue represents energy and the sky
Rain falls from the blue sky which provides water for the cattle.
Orange symbolizes hospitality
The association with cattle is that visitors are served cows milk from orange gourds.
Yellow also symbolizes hospitality
The animal skins on visitors beds are yellow.
Green represents health and land
Cattle graze on the green grass of the land.
Black represents the people and the struggles they must endure
A black and white leather cuff (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
The use of black and white, here, is inspired by the African proverb, a Maasai without culture is like a zebra without stripes
Sipolios (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
The face paint and black cloaks of Sipolio, young boys who are on their journey to become warriors. They wear only white faceprint and black cloth for months signifying their transition into manhood.
White Leather Maasai Bracelet Cuff (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
The patterns in the face paint and the use of colour white can be seen as an inspiration in the leather cuff.
Silver discs in Maasai jewellery (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
Silver discs also adorn Maasai women’s jewellery. It is unknown if this is symbolic or functions only as embellishment, but it is consistently present in all Maasai jewellry.
For the love of red (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
Copper is another element that is commonly seen in Maasai jewellery. The copper coil, also known as Surutia, is generally worn by married Maasai women.
Maasai Fimbos, or Walking sticks (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
The Maasai are known for walking miles each day, and men will often hold a walking stick to ward off dangerous animals, guide their cattle, and of course to rest on from time to time.
Mobiles, inspired by Maasai walking sticks (2020) by Sidai DesignsProject FUEL
These walking sticks have been reimagined as mobiles, a home decorative ware. Pieces of walking stick are cut by and sanded for smoothness. It is then decorated with Maasai beadwork.
Maasai earrings (2020) by Sam VoxProject FUEL
The rising popularity of Maasai beadworks is leading to the emergence of unconventional designs in new age products. However, the symbols of Maasai culture can be seen ever present in these designs and aesthetics, that are now making their way to international audiences.
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.
