Masai Betrothal Enkarewa

Beaded wedding necklace 

 

This is a Massai beaded marriage necklace known as the Enkarewa. It is made with glass beads, tough Manila strings and animal skin. This necklace is said to be the traditional Massai wedding necklace that is worn by the brides.The Enkarewa is bride necklace that is a symbol that a girl is transitioning to womanhood as she is about to form her own family. 

The enkarewa is passed down to through generations as heirloom. The colors and designs on it serve as certain aspects of the brides journey from innocence to maturity and indicating ties of where she belongs within the community. The necklace is a symbol of two family connecting as one through marriage.

The Enkarewa is a symbol in Masai culture, representing the transition of a girl into womanhood as she prepares to form her own family. The necklace serves as a profound symbol of the union of two families, coming together as one through the sacred institution of marriage.

Glass beads, Manila strings and animal skin (used as the necklace's base, enhancing its overall structure and design).

Beading, stringing( beads are meticulously threaded onto the tough Manila strings), knotting and closure ( mechanism enabling the bride to easily wear and remove the necklace!

https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/secret-life-beads

https://garlandmag.com/loop/enkarewa/

https://dhiefa.com/what-do-the-maasai-colours-represent/

https://www.asiliaafrica.com/blog/supersized-traditional-maasai-necklace/#:~:text=The%20Enkarewa%20is%20a%20traditional,well%20as%20the%20entire%20community.