Hip Belt
CultureMaasai
Datemid-20th century
MediumGlass beads and animal hide
DimensionsOverall: 3 3/8 × 13 1/2 × 13 inches (8.57 × 34.29 × 33.02 cm)
Credit LineGift of Reverend Linda Livingstone
Object number2007.41.1
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionThis wide beaded hip belt is secured with two leather thongs threaded through a beaded opening on each end. The surface design consists of seven large beaded triangles of red, green, and blue along one belt edge interlocked with seven opposing white triangles. The two central triangles, of blue and red, are embellished with a short doubled bead strand with a small metal disk attached to each end. This geometric design's pairing of red and blue or red and green, separated by white, displays the Maasai aesthetic of juxtaposing complementary oppositional colors.ProvenanceAcquired in Kenya by Linda M. Livingstone’s father, 1950s [1];
By descent to Linda M. Livingstone (1944-2012), Tuolumne, CA, by 2007;
Her gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2007.
NOTES:
[1] According to documentation provided by Linda M. Livingstone at the time of the object’s gift, NAMA curatorial files.
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