Deep and Bright Colors

These beautiful beaded bracelets represent the best of Maasai culture and heritage. They are handcrafted by a women's group that is supported by the Friends of Pastoralists. Each color is symbolic has important meanings that the community reveres and celebrates:

Red - represents bravery, unity, and blood. Red is the color of cows blood. Often a cow is slaughtered when the Maasai meet and therefore unity is associated with red.

White - represents peace, purity, and health. The association with health comes from white cows milk which the tribe drinks to stay healthy.

Blue - represents energy and the sky. Rain falls from the blue sky which provides water for the cattle.

Orange - Symbolizes hospitality. The association with cattle is that visitors are served cows milk from orange gourds.

Yellow - like orange yellow also symbolizes hospitality. The animal skins on visitors beds are yellow.

Green - symbolizes health and land. Cattle graze on the green grass of the land.

Black - represents the people and the struggles endured.

The colors and artistic designs of the bracelets gives one a sense of the richness, wisdom and brilliance of the Maasais.

Investing in Maa women, means investing in the future of an invaluable community.