Traditionally, jewellery was a sign of wealth and status in different Kenyan communities. One could tell a chief from an elder, a married woman from a spinster – and these same ornaments (amulets and talismans) were a symbol of spiritual protection. Below are some traditional ornaments from different communities.

Akuparraparait (Turkana earring)

Body puncturing, which is a form of body modification, has been common in African cultures for centuries. Body piercings to wear elaborate jewelry is and has been the norm for many communities, including the Turkana community of Kenya.  

Turkana women for instance have been known to wear jewelry created from beads around their necks (and this is one of the things that makes them similar to Samburu and Maasai women) and aluminum or brass items. 

The Akuparraparait falls within the latter. It is an everyday piece of jewelry, an aluminum earring popular among Turkana women, worn on the helix (the upper part of the ear).

Kamba Anklet

A traditional Kamba anklet, made with beads acquired through their long-distance trade with the Arabs
In the past, the Kamba were Kenya’s top long-distance traders because of their excellent communication skills as well as their knowledge of fertile areas. They traded in locally-produced items such as ivory, sugarcane wine, millet and cattle with various communities including the Arabs that at the coast. In return, they acquired beads which were used to make anklets (their most common ornament), neck chains, bracelets and headbands. These creations were a colourful addition to their leather kilts and skirts and the exemplary artisanship made Kamba jewellery distinguishable from that of other communities.
 
 

Maasai Necklaces 

A traditional Maasai necklace, each colour having a deep meaning and significance to the people and their livelihood
Ask anyone in the world some of the things Kenya is known for and the Maasai beaded necklaces make the upper section of the list. Before the 19th century, this pastoralist community created their jewellery from natural resources such as clay, wood, bone and copper. When barter trade’s popularity grew, they were able to acquire glass beads, brought to Kenya by the Arabs. Women were responsible for the designs which were worn by both men and women. The structures would indicate a person’s age, social and marital status and whether a new mother had birthed a boy or girl. Additionally, the colours of the beads had symbolic value – each tracing back to the cattle (the community’s source of livelihood). Red; the colour of the cow’s blood symbolizes strength. Blue, the colour of the sky from which the rain pours to produce pasture for the cattle, symbolizes energy. Green, colour of the grass means good health. White – the milk from the cows, means purity. Black is the only colour dedicated to the people for they endure the most struggles.

 

Leg bell (Tharaka)

Leg bell from the Tharaka community

 

The Tharaka community is a sub-tribe of the larger Meru community. Like many practices common across several indigenous African communities, the Tharaka had various rites that they practiced, from birth and naming ceremonies, to initiation rites to mark transitions, and even death rites to send off the deceased. 

A common artefact in some of these rites was a leg bell which was worn during the initiation ceremonies of warriors – known as ngoromo, and by community dancers at various festivals. The Tharaka name for this jewelry is unclear, but what is known is that it was made by Tharaka blacksmiths who often used metal and sometimes wood.