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Armlet

Side view of an armlet showing the long metal chain. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads and metal sequins. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads and metal sequins. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads and metal sequins. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads. Close view of an armlet showing the inner surface.
Side view of an armlet showing the long metal chain. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads and metal sequins. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads and metal sequins. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads and metal sequins. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads. Close view of an armlet showing the white beads. Close view of an armlet showing the inner surface.

Classification

Description

A beaded armlet with metal chains and round, flat sequins. This Maasai beaded piece has come from the Gelai Bomba ('Broken Pipe') village of the Longido region of North Tanzania, East Africa. Maasai beadwork is done specifically by women, but are worn by both men and women. Initially, beads were made of dried grass, sticks, clay, seeds, and shells, these have been mostly replaced by plastic and glass. Maasai beadwork is worn according to the age and social status of an individual and the colours have different meanings for example red (blood, bravery, and unity), white (health, peace, and purity), blue (the colour of the sky represents energy), green (colour of grass signifies the land and production), black (the people and their struggles), yellow (the sun, fertility, and growth) and orange (warmth, generosity, and friendship).
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown

Object number

AIBDC : 008451

Date

2010 (circa)

Country

Africa

Method

handmade
armlet
extruded
beads
cut
beads

Material

plastic beads
unidentified
metal

Colour

white
silver