We were lucky enough to get to travel into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area once again to buy beads to later sell in America. This was Katharine’s first time experiencing the delightful chaos that is buying beads. Almost one hundred women showed up, all part of the project, to sell beads to Judy. Judy searched through to find the “best-sellers” from each of the women.
The Maasai make unique beaded jewelry as an embodiment of their society’s beauty, strength, and tradition. In fact, each color used in the beadwork actually represents different aspects. Red represents bravery and unity; blue symbolizes sustainability and water; green signifies nourishment and production; orange symbolizes warmth and the unique hospitality of the Maasai people; yellow symbolizes fertility, growth, and the sun; black signifies harmony and solidarity in facing struggles; and white represents cow’s milk, purity and health.
NCN has supported various beadwork programs that partner with this unique Maasai tradition. For instance, alongside various programs, Aid Tanzania works with women in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area using Maasai traditional beadwork styles as a platform for holiday-themed beadwork.
