Product Information: 100% handcrafted in Kenya, this gorgeous necklace is made from colorful Maasai one-tone, beaded threads. A beaded round design sits just below the right shoulder and an abundant flow of beaded chains loop up to complete the necklace. An absolutely stunning design and compliments any outfit!
Maasai Bead Jewelry: Beadwork is an important part of the Maasai culture. Maasai women set aside time every day to meet and work on beaded jewelry. The jewelry they create is not only beautiful but also has important cultural significance. The beadwork an individual wears will signify their age and social status. Generally, individuals of high social standing will wear more colorful and intricate jewelry. The colors are also symbolic and have important meanings understood by the tribe.
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Blue: Represents energy and the sky. Rain falls from the blue sky which provides water for the cattle.
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Black: Represents the people and the struggles they must endure.
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Red: Represents bravery, strength, unity and the incredible challenges Maasai people face each day
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Green: Symbolizes nourishment and production, representing the land that provides food for the people and their livestock while also symbolizing the putting down of roots and the protection of one’s territory
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Orange: Symbolizes warmth, friendship, generosity and hospitality, representative of the color of a gourd which is used to share milk with guests and welcome visitors into one’s home
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Yellow: Symbolizes fertility and growth, representing the color of the sun which helps grow the grass to feed the livestock and sustain life
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White: Represents purity and health symbolizing the color of cow’s milk that provides sustained nourishment
