Maasai Leather Storage Bag, Based

Two tall leather arms rise up from the body, joined by a thin strap.

This storage bag is Maasai, from Kenya, East Africa, and dates to the 20th C. It is leather, mounted on a base. The Maasai have long made bags and containers from hide, often adding beads and stitching, and the bead colors are usually thought to carry meaning. The dark brown bag is cut in a deep U shape, its two upright sections joined across the top by a narrow strap. Stitched seams and parallel lines follow the curve of the body. Single beads in red, white and yellow sit near the top of each arm. It is 18 inches wide, 6 deep and 21.5 high.

Built for carrying, and dressed in a few bright beads.