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 (see 2023.1376) 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 this version with one circle—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.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 137
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Maasai
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Title
- Woman's Necklace
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Place
- Kenya (Object made in)
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Medium
- Animal hide, beads, shell, and metal
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Dimensions
- H.: 38.1 cm (15 in.)
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Credit Line
- Arts of Africa Curatorial Discretionary Fund
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Reference Number
- 2023.2922
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.