CHAPTER III -THE MAASAI

Our African adventure continues with Chapter III. Home to 152 men, women and children of the Maasai tribe, Kilelioni village sits behind the Kilelioni mountain. We joined the tribe for their morning fire ritual - it is practised every morning at 6am, when everyone congregates to sing and dance together.

Maasai culture is centred around the belief that God (called Engai, or Enkai, in the tribe’s Maa language) created cattle especially for them and that they are the custodians of all the world’s cattle.

For Maasai, life revolves around amassing and grazing large herds of cows and to a lesser extent, goats. They are pastoralists who fundamentally protect their tribe, cattle and grazing lands.

The Maasai men are renowned for jumping, this dancing ritual, known as adumu, acts as a way for men to attract brides.The higher he jumps, the more of an eligible bachelor he is. The leaping dance is an opportunity to exhibit strength and maturity to gain respect, admiration and desire from potential partners.

Red is the most important colour; symbolising courage, bravery, and strength. The Maasai also believe that red scares off predators, such as lions, even at long distances. Red also represents unity within the Maasai culture because livestock are slaughtered when communities come together in celebration.

Our Maasai cashmere collection contrasts with the bright, bold colours of the tribe. Flattering silhouettes with utilitarian design details are combined with a classic safari inspired colour palette.

We were humbled by the landscape, the wildlife and these amazing people, the Maasai, the very guardians of this wilderness, to be preserved for future generations.

Our Spring Summer ‘23 collection is inspired by and was photographed in Kenya, Africa. Click here to shop Chapter III - The Maasai.