Description
This beaded object relates to morans, the warriors of Maasai society. These men are trained and initiated into a group that guards the community and traditional customs as well as cattle. A moran would have worn these as part of his colorful daily dress. The heavy use of white beads offers protection from the evil eye and other negative outside influences.
Provenance
African Tribal Art Gallery De Ruijter–Van Santen, the Netherlands; sold to Michael R. Mack, Atlanta, 2015; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 2024.
Accession Number
271735
Medium
Animal hide, metal, and glass beads
Dimensions
with leather strap: 19.7 × 76.9 × 1.3 cm (7 3/4 × 30 1/4 × 1/2 in.)
Classification
belts (costume accessory)
Credit Line
Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection