Learning through objects from the Islington Education Library Service’s handling collection
Maasai Shield, East Africa
The Maasai shield is
made of cattle hide stretched over and sewn on to a wooden frame with
leather strips. It has a handle attached across the centre at the back
which is often covered with leather. Each shield is uniquely decorated
with patterns made from natural and commercial dyes. The colours for the
natural dyes were made from local materials: red by mixing earth with
blood and fruit sap, white from local clays, and black from the skins of
burnt gourds. Young warriors were allowed to use black, grey and white,
while red dye was reserved for more experienced warriors. Shield designs are known as sirata and
are related to the different groups of Maasai. The shield is not only a
weapon but also a way of expressing Maasai art and culture.
A Maasai tribesman’s shield and spear are his key defences against wild animals and enemies. The spear is often used as a staff or stick to lean on as the Maasai can spend many hours standing completely still and guarding their cattle. This is depicted in many children’s books about the Maasai (for example, Bringing the rain to Kapiti plain by Verna Aardema)
A Maasai tribesman’s shield and spear are his key defences against wild animals and enemies. The spear is often used as a staff or stick to lean on as the Maasai can spend many hours standing completely still and guarding their cattle. This is depicted in many children’s books about the Maasai (for example, Bringing the rain to Kapiti plain by Verna Aardema)
The Maasai are a prominent ethnic group living in Kenya and Tanzania in the area around Mount Kilimanjaro.
They are nomadic herdsmen who travel long distances to find appropriate
grazing grounds for their cattle. The Maasai way of life was greatly
affected by the colonisation of Africa in the early 20th
century and by the recent impact of tourism. However, the Maasai try to
sustain their lifestyles and cultures and to adapt to the contemporary
world by manufacturing their crafts for the tourist market. This shield
is not produced for that market as it is a genuine defensive weapon.
Traditionally, a Maasai man was expected to go out alone into the bush and kill a male lion before he could become a warrior. The resulting reputation of the Maasai for stamina and strength means they provide the security services for many buildings in modern Kenya.
The Maasai are also famous for the speed and style of their walk. The currently fashionable MTB footwear is intended to imitate the Maasai walk. (To see a demonstration of this, visit http://uk/mbt.com/Home/Benefits.aspx)
Traditionally, a Maasai man was expected to go out alone into the bush and kill a male lion before he could become a warrior. The resulting reputation of the Maasai for stamina and strength means they provide the security services for many buildings in modern Kenya.
The Maasai are also famous for the speed and style of their walk. The currently fashionable MTB footwear is intended to imitate the Maasai walk. (To see a demonstration of this, visit http://uk/mbt.com/Home/Benefits.aspx)
The Maasai shield is
made of cattle hide stretched over and sewn on to a wooden frame with
leather strips. It has a handle attached across the centre at the back
which is often covered with leather. Each shield is uniquely decorated
with patterns made from natural and commercial dyes. The colours for the
natural dyes were made from local materials: red by mixing earth with
blood and fruit sap, white from local clays, and black from the skins of
burnt gourds. Young warriors were allowed to use black, grey and white,
while red dye was reserved for more experienced warriors. Shield designs are known as sirata and
are related to the different groups of Maasai. The shield is not only a
weapon but also a way of expressing Maasai art and culture.
A Maasai tribesman’s shield and spear are his key defences against wild animals and enemies. The spear is often used as a staff or stick to lean on as the Maasai can spend many hours standing completely still and guarding their cattle. This is depicted in many children’s books about the Maasai (for example, Bringing the rain to Kapiti plain by Verna Aardema)
A Maasai tribesman’s shield and spear are his key defences against wild animals and enemies. The spear is often used as a staff or stick to lean on as the Maasai can spend many hours standing completely still and guarding their cattle. This is depicted in many children’s books about the Maasai (for example, Bringing the rain to Kapiti plain by Verna Aardema)
