Headdress (Esidai)
A headdress, spear and shield are essential art forms carried and worn by a Massai moran (warrior). They were collected and documented by Kakuta Hamisi--described in his own words below--as part of our museum's exchange with the Merrueschi community. You can also learn more about this collection at the web site: maasai-association.org.
“Women made the headdresses but it is the men’s work to collect the ostrich feathers...According to Maasai people, every man must own a spear from thirteen years of age. Warriors are recommended to carry spears on a daily basis while boys are allowed to carry theirs when herding cattle only...Both the spear and shield are things that I would like to own for the rest of my life. The [shield’s] pigment painting is based on a section, clan, and sometimes region. You have to hold it so a lion can land on it. Then you have to slide the lion over your head, and sometimes the lion weighs about 400 pounds. Do that a few times and you can confuse him.”
Ostrich feathers, leather, beads, black button, white button, and metal chain
32 x 26 in. (81.3 x 66 cm)
General Acquisition Fund
2000.7