About this artwork
Today the Maasai are best known for their brightly colored and highly decorative beadwork, but these rare necklaces provide a glimpse into a jewelry design that was favored a century ago. The two round shells symbolize breasts and represent the fertility of a woman in her childbearing years, who would have worn
the necklace as a mark of pride and honor. Some older women still wear the version with one circle (see 2023.2922) —also as a badge of respect and maturity, but as a grandmother or great-grandmother to be admired for her familial contributions and guidance. Only female artists created this style of jewelry.
-
Status
- On View, Gallery 137
-
Department
- Arts of Africa
-
Culture
- Maasai
-
Title
- Woman's Necklace
-
Place
- Kenya (Object made in)
-
Medium
- Animal hide, beads, shells, and metal
-
Dimensions
- H.: 50 cm (19 11/16 in.)
-
Credit Line
- Arts of Africa Curatorial Discretionary Fund
-
Reference Number
- 2023.1376
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
