Hide garment (Orkila)

20th century

Hide textiles played an important role throughout Maasai society. Sheep, goat, and calfskin are used to manufacture such a fabric. Ochre, sisal thread and beads are used to embellish the cloth. Patterns and style reflect gender differences. Size and style also help to better distinguish whether the piece is for men or women. Women receive credit for such alteration. There have been significant changes from these traditional handmade textiles as a result of traders in the mid 1800's. Europeans and Arabs imported large quantities of consumer products, including cotton textiles. This distribution of goods introduced to the Maasai was an attempt to replace traditional textiles. Nevertheless, hide textiles are still worn for special events, but not on a daily basis. Women use them for skirts and men wear them as shoulder-laps.

Sheep/goat/calf skin, beads, sisal thread, and ochre

43 x 46 in. (109.2 x 116.8 cm)

Gift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

81.17.1029

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, African Panoplies: Art for Rulers, Traders, Hunters, and Priests, Apr. 21 - Aug. 14, 1988.

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