A Journey Into The History and Symbolism of Kenyan Ornaments

The origins of ornamentation in Kenya

The origins of ornamentation among Kenyan communities is undocumented but is believed to have begun hundreds of years ago. This has been demonstrated by archaeologists through excavations and recovery of ostrich egg shell beads in certain parts of the country.

The rich colors, shapes and functions of African ornaments

In Africa, body ornaments communicate ethnic background, social status, age and beliefs. Traditional ornaments appear in various forms, such as earrings, bracelets, armlets and belts, among others. They are also made from a variety of materials, ranging from leather, brass, stone, bone, iron, beads, and more.

Ornaments symbolising social status

The material and design of the ornaments often indicated a person’s social status. In some communities, only leaders or members of special groups wore objects made of precious materials such as ivory or gold.

A Borana man wearing Kalacha

This Borana man sells traditional ornaments and objects. He is wearing a metallic ornament called Kalacha, which was used to symbolise leadership status.

Beautiful beads and their origin to Africa

According to oral history, beads have a long and rich history since before the coming of the first Arabs, Indians and Europeans. They can be traced to the period before the arrival of Europeans in the late 1800s, when handcrafted jewelry was made from sticks, ostrich egg shells, dik-dik bones, seeds, dried grasses and other natural materials.

Glass beads in Africa

With the arrival of Europeans and Indians came the trading of supplies for glass beads. Glass-beaded ornaments feature in images of local communities from the mid-nineteenth century.

The price of craftsmanship

The quantity of beadwork was dependent on cash resources, while the quality was dependent on the beading techniques, which were varied, labor-intensive and time-consuming.

The makers of beaded ornaments, who were mostly women, not only made use of imported beads to transform traditional forms, but also possibly borrowed designs from other sources introduced through trade.

Beads were a currency during colonial times

Beadwork is traditionally an activity for women and was originally not done for commercial purposes. During the colonial period, beads were offered as a form of currency or as a form of discount on traded goods.

Tharaka girl wearing symbols of wealth

This Tharaka girl wears beaded ornaments, which are an indication of her father's wealth.

Tharaka woman wearing symbols of social status

This Tharaka woman's ornaments indicate she is married to a wealthy husband, and the brass earrings indicate that she has children.

Borana woman wearing symbols of wealth

This Borana woman is wearing ceremonial metal jewelry, indicating her wealth. Her necklace, back ornament, rings, armlets and wristlets are all made of different metals with various symbolic meanings.