Vintage Beaded Maasai Calabash - Kenya - 52.3

A genuine vintage calabash made by the Maasai of Kenya from a dried, hollowed gourd. Once used to store and cool milk or water, it has aged into a warm, honey-toned patina.

Bands of traditional Maasai glass beads — white, red and blue, threaded onto leather straps — wrap the body, while older repairs in metal and fine wirework are left on show: in Maasai culture a break is mended with intent rather than hidden. On its own or grouped together, it makes a striking decorative piece with real history.

Approx. dimensions: H 54cm × W 10cm × D 10cm