About this artwork
Adornments like this one, with flat, copper-wire discs, are typically attributed to the Maasai or their
culturally related neighbors, the Samburu. The spiral shape of the copper-alloy elements symbolizes
fertility and the cycle of life. Historically the discs were worn on their own as earrings, but due to their heavy weight, they have been gradually incorporated into more comfortable ornamental forms. Only women who are married wear these discs, and, more recently, mothers mark their sons’ initiations by displaying them. Sometimes even the male initiates themselves don them.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Maasai
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Title
- Ornament (Surutia)
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Place
- Kenya (Object made in:)
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Date
- 1900–1999
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Medium
- Animal hide, metal, and glass beads
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Dimensions
- 49.1 × 37.2 × 6.4 cm (19 5/16 × 14 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection
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Reference Number
- 2024.371
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.
