Skip links

Craft-core: The Maasai Edition

These beaded pieces inspired by the Maasai tribe make for the perfect addition to your jewellery collection

Images: Lore, Thomson Safaris

While the dopamine-inducing Y2K aesthetic came and conquered with its share of beaded strings, the jury’s still pretty divided on whether the trend held much merit or was quite simply tailored to gen-Z’s ‘too cool for school’ state of mind. That being said, beaded jewellery has always been top of mind when we’re looking for a fun, colourful way to amp up an outfit. 

For a more grown-up take on the trend, we find ourselves endlessly inspired by the Maasai tribe’s beads. Maasai beadwork is an art form that has been practised as a central part of their cultural heritage by the Maasai people of East Africa. It is characterised by vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and symbolic meanings.

The beads used in Maasai beadwork are typically made of glass and are imported from Europe and Asia. One of the most iconic forms of Maasai beadwork is the beaded collar, also known as a “tradition” or “oran.” The patterns often have symbolic meanings, representing things like animals, plants, or important events in Maasai history.

One of the reasons that Maasai beadwork has become so popular in recent years is its versatility. The vibrant colours and intricate patterns can be incorporated into a wide range of fashion styles, from bohemian to modern minimalist. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite interpretations of this style of beadwork, just in time for summer!

Nori, ₹6,300, Studio Loveletter

Link: https://www.studioloveletter.com/collections/necklaces/products/nori?variant=41285305532580 

Sirius Bead Earrings, ₹1,600, Diaries of Nomad

Link:https://www.diariesofnomad.com/products/sirius-bead-earrings#MTJ-ER-00271 

Hapur Flower Beadwork Bangles by Aagaz (Set of 6), ₹450, iTokri

Link:https://www.itokri.com/products/2022-557-1-1-hapur-flower-beadwork-bangles-by-aagazset-of-6?variant=42128982638787&currency=INR&Network=x&Placement=&Keyword=&Campaign=&gclid=CjwKCAjwov6hBhBsEiwAvrvN6EO3JI_2ydTbFMo1ZhUvcN9YEA-qMX7vYpDcIxIb1_7a5y_ylmWrBBoC03MQAvD_BwE 

Lavender Twist Beaded Necklace, ₹800, Okhai

Link: https://okhai.org/products/lavender-twist-beaded-necklace 

Drew Beaded Earrings, ₹4,295, Fossil

Link:https://www.fossil.com/en-in/products/drew-beaded-earrings/FCU0453998.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwov6hBhBsEiwAvrvN6L6x2z_GO4anrWRJXE9p3UFV5k42t7rdhC3pORUqQucOZV4kYSwIghoCus8QAvD_BwE 

Prashast Glass Beads Necklace, ₹675, Amala Earth

Link:https://amala.earth/products/prashast-glass-beads-necklace-multi-layered-black-p-ac-63-30922?utm_source=Google_ads&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=19888663827–148882556633&utm_content=652623519089&utm_term=–&utm_id=19888663827–148882556633–652623519089–c–g——&gclid=CjwKCAjwov6hBhBsEiwAvrvN6LpL64sPoOeniDXxB5dFK6HzQ2IELFGa2StofpXkA4oySCKJjHrp1RoCd-sQAvD_BwE 

Embroidered Flower Motif Zia Earringss, ₹2,500, Zwende

Link:https://www.zwende.com/collections/earrings/products/embroidered-flower-motif-zia-earrings 

Multi Bead & Pearl Anklet, ₹945, Accessorize London

Link:https://accessorizelondon.in/collections/bracelets/products/accessorize-london-womens-multi-bead-pearl-anklet?variant=44437924348186 

READ MORE

Adarsh Kumar’s MoonDive: Engineering the Future with AI and Integrity

Adarsh Kumar’s MoonDive: Engineering the Future with AI and Integrity

From Microsoft to Meta to MoonDive, Adarsh Kumar’s journey is a masterclass in execution, reinvention,

June 18, 2025
The New Aesthetic: Style x Tech

The New Aesthetic: Style x Tech

Face Magazine proudly unveils its first-ever AI-designed cover, conceptualized in collaboration with visionary digital artist

June 16, 2025
Karan Gulati’s Unfiltered Journey from Legal Success to Holistic Wealth

Karan Gulati’s Unfiltered Journey from Legal Success to Holistic Wealth

From Law to Legacy: The Holistic Wealth Journey of That Sikh Investor Karan Gulati’s journey

June 14, 2025
The Silent Strength of Stardom – Nitanshi Goel’s Era Begins

The Silent Strength of Stardom – Nitanshi Goel’s Era Begins

From daydreams in front of the screen to commanding it with quiet confidence, Nitanshi Goel

June 11, 2025
The Quiet Icon: Arjun Rampal Unplugged

The Quiet Icon: Arjun Rampal Unplugged

Exclusive Cover Story | Face Magazine From redefining masculinity on the runway to commanding intensity

June 5, 2025
The Essence of Rejuvenation: Inside Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa at Mementos, Ekaaya Udaipur

The Essence of Rejuvenation: Inside Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa at Mementos, Ekaaya Udaipur

Nestled in the lap of the Aravallis, a sanctuary of serenity awaits. In the heart

May 19, 2025