A old intricate traditional necklace made from stiff animal hair, old beads and earthen dyed textiles. Mporro necklaces signify the married status of a woman. The wiry strands used to create this necklace was made from animal hair and embellished with red glass Mporro beads, which give the necklace its name. Red mporro beads are an extremely important aspect of the Samburu culture. When a girl is to be married, her mother gives her beads from her own marriage necklace. After being married for approximately a month, the girl is brought gifts of milk and additional mporro beads by neighboring and related women. These beads symbolize fertility and wealth as well as a connection to successful ancestors. Samburu peoples, Kenya, Africa. The necklace measures 12 x 10 x 6 inches. provenance: A Private New Jersey collection since 2008.

Good, well used