Why not try a little Maasai?

I’m sure you have noticed colorful beads and geometric patterns showing up everywhere. The highly stylized African motifs can be found on just about everything and aren’t loosing their hold anytime soon.

Ethnic and edgy, it’s a great way to channel your inner power. Bold patterns and some strategic colorful beaded jewelry and you can feel like an African queen, ready to take on the world [or look cool trying!]

Mathew Williamson has a great bamboo linen outfit with beadwork…wonder where he got his inspiration? Rhianna looks like a queen in his beaded dress, worn at his runway show.

Bead work and color represents hierarchy in many tribes throughout the world.

As head of my tribe I would lead an ambush on anyone with Stella McCartney’s clutch or these beaded sandals.

I’m always on the lookout for an economic way to wear the current trends, after a little investigation I’ve found the perfect place to try a little Maasai.

This amazing site www.maasaieducation.org is dedicated to the advancement of the unique Kenyan tribe, the Maasai.

Insightful and inspiring, the site helped me to learn more about the cultural identity of these beautiful people. We are all familiar with the Maasai’s unique adornment, however; the history, symbolism, and social meaning of their craft is just as interesting.

What we love here at “Sensational Color” is powerful, beautiful, meaningful, exciting and enticing color! Color is so important and the Maasai are very in tune with color and it’s meaning.

Their intricate bead work relies on essential colors. The patterns and colors are contrasted in such a way that it creates a balanced but eye catching design.

The colors in the designs all have meaning.

White: Purity

Red: Strength and bravery.

Green: The Health of the Community.

Orange: Hospitality. [The gourd offered with milk to visitors is orange.]

Black: Color of the People. It also represents the hardships that all people endure.

By purchasing their handmade art we can help the young women and single mothers further their education, establish self sufficient businesses and achieve economic security.

Another great plus is helping to preserve their art through cultural pride. Continuing a tradition while adding your own creative interpretation must be empowering for these women.

If you go to the “shop” section on the site there is a beautiful selection of adornment. I personally love the traditional wedding chokers and bangles. I am going to purchase something, not sure what yet, but will keep you posted on how it goes. The prices are so reasonable and for such a great cause. I am also excited about wearing a creation handmade by someone so far away but probably like me in many ways.