Object Details
- Label Text
- Sisal fiber wigs are the modern replacement for mud coiffures for modern young Maasai men of an age to be warriors. This example shows no signs of wear.
- Description
- Wig of twisted sisal fliber, dyed red, forming a cap with two horns, one over the other, projecting backwards. Wig has cylindrical projection from the front and a strand of white and black glass beads runs from ear to ear, with several strands on upper horn projection.
- Provenance
- James Silberman, Alexandria, Virginia, -- to 1971
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Maasai artist
- Date
- Mid-late 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Silberman
- Medium
- Plant fiber, hide, glass beads, dye
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 14.9 x 18.8 x 45.2 cm (5 7/8 x 7 3/8 x 17 13/16 in.)
- Type
- Textile and Fiber Arts
