Kenyan beading – female tradition supporting communities

The women of the Maasai tribe have an ancient tradition of creating colourful beaded jewellery and belts. The skill has been handed down from mother to daughter for generations. The women are now making beaded products to support their community.

Kenyan beading – ancient female tradition supporting communities

The women of the Maasai tribe have an ancient tradition of creating colourful beaded jewellery and belts. The skill has been handed down from mother to daughter for generations. The beadwork embodies the Maasai culture, representing beauty, tradition, strength, and sometimes social status and age. Beads are a symbol of beauty.

There are several different colours used in Maasai beadwork, and each one holds a special meaning: red signifies blood, bravery, and unity. White represents health, peace, and purity. Blue is the colour of the sky and represents energy, and green is the colour of grass, which signifies the land and production. Black represents the people and the struggle they must endure. Yellow symbolizes the sun, fertility, and growth, and orange represents warmth, generosity, and friendship.

Historically, the Maasai have been pastoralists, supporting their communities through sale of livestock. Due to climate change, conditions have become more arid, and it has become harder for the tribe to maintain their herds. A population explosion has also resulted in less land to roam and find pasture. So, the Maasai have had to adapt and find a new source of income which has been achieved by capitalising on an ancient female tradition.

The female communities are now applying their traditions and culture to creating beaded belts, dog collars and flipflops which are sold locally in markets and abroad. The income earned is enabling the communities to educate their children, provide food and build modern permanent structures. The ladies sit in groups in their manyattas (compounds) and do the beading while chatting, laughing and singing. At the same time, they teach the younger girls.