Leather belt with beadwork design
Beadwork is in a regular pattern of coloured triangles mostly in blue and white beads. There is a red triangle in the centre and some further red detailing.
Community Commentary by Emodo Janet Idekure within research project: 'Rethinking Relationships and Building Trust around African Collections' 2021 A leather belt made of black ,white, red beads Beaded ornaments represented Maasai cultural values and traditions. The object was worn by young women in the society and ceremonially worn by the young unmarried women. In the Maasai community the object served different purposes the belt signified one who is unmarried and those not circumcised. The young women wore the belt while going for wedding and dancing ceremonies. It was of great importance since it symbolized the transitioning of women that have not undergone the rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. The object should be stored and kept by the museum as part of world's heritage since it has not undergone any change and modification.
