Contemporary Maasai Beading: 21 Simple Projects Based on Traditional Designs

Dive into the ancient Maasai tradition of beading, its history, and its purpose. African beaded jewelry is one of today’s most popular trends in jewelry making, and in this book you’ll learn from skilled Maasai artisans, who teach them to make 21 beaded designs as you read their personal stories.

Using widely available and accessible materials and few tools, readers can make a variety of designs, from simple asymmetrical earrings to a complex geometrical cuff bracelet.

The Maasai of the Loita Hills of Kenya established RedTribe Beadwork, a female empowerment enterprise in which the women create, market, and sell their beaded jewelry. Meet Melau, a young mother of five children; Nalepo, who supports her disabled husband and ten children; wise, gentle, and spiritual Nalotwesha; and many others who will inspire and teach you.

All author proceeds from this book will go into developing RedTribe Beadwork and empowering the artisans.