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Woman's Necklace

A work made of animal hide, beads, shell, and metal.

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  • A work made of animal hide, beads, shell, and metal.

Date:

Possibly early 20th century

Artist:

Maasai
Kenya or Tanzania
Eastern and Southern Africa

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.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Maasai

Title

Woman's Necklace

Place

Kenya (Object made in)

Medium

Animal hide, beads, shell, and metal

Dimensions

H.: 38.1 cm (15 in.)

Credit Line

Arts of Africa Curatorial Discretionary Fund

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.

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