Beaded onto leather.
Only a Maasai married woman may wear these beaded ear flaps. These ear flaps were worn as signs of marriage.
Tribal custom states that her husband must never see her without them. Most of the colors used in Maasai beadwork relate directly to their pastoral lifestyle. The color green represents the grass, which is believed to be a sacred element because it nourishes the Maasai’s cattle. Red and white are considered life-sustaining colors representing the blood and milk of cattle, which they could not survive without. Other colors, such as orange and black, represent hospitality and hardship, respectively.
By including these colors in their beadwork, the Maasai are able to visually reference their beliefs and important aspects of their lives.
Height: 5" x Width: 2 1/4" (each) - on its 4" square base, they stand 6 1/2" tall x 6 1/4" in width
