About this artwork
These ear ornaments, the name of which translates as “cowhide of the ear,” were historically worn by a Maasai woman from the day she was initiated into adulthood until her death. Made from cowhide, glass beads, buttons, and metal wire, a typical pair consists of two pieces that have slightly different decorations and shapes. Design choices are made carefully: colors and patterns are specific to Maasai communities or even to subgroups within them. Here, the predominance of blue refers to the sky and the Maasai god Enkai.
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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
- Pair of Woman’s Ear Ornaments (Enchoni Enkiook)
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Place
- Kenya (Object made in:)
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Date
- 1900–1999
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Medium
- Animal hide, glass beads, buttons, and metal wire
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Dimensions
- A: 16.9 × 6.1 × 1.6 cm (6 5/8 × 2 3/8 × 5/8 in.); B: 17.2 × 4.8 × 1 cm (6 3/4 × 1 7/8 × 3/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection
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Reference Number
- 2024.374
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.
