Maasai Beaded Leather Cape

Overview: This cape, an olekesana, is made of goat skin and is decorated with colorful glass and plastic beads.

Construction: This cape is made of goat skin that has been preserved through tanning. It has been sewn by hand. The cape is ornamented with glass and plastic beads stitched in decorative patterns. The beads vary in color and are in segments of yellow, white, orange, red, periwinkle, and green. It is 43" long from top to bottom edge, and the edge that is worn over the shoulders is 53" wide. There are some holes filled with patches which have been carefully repaired.

Provenance: The leather cape was donated by Professor Amy Cooke who obtained it when she was in the Peace Corps in Kenya.