Featured African collar necklace? What can you tell me.

Completely out of my field. Both of these were at the thrift. Assuming they go together. What can you tell me? Thanks!

 

I suppose you could wear them together, but odds are they just both come from the same place. I'd guess East Africa somewhere - Masai most likely. They sure look like it.

 

Yes, this is traditional Maasai beadwork, from Kenya.

It's made by the women, but worn everyone. The color of the beads, and styles of the beading, have symbolic meanings, and some are specific to age groups, marital, and social status. Many individual pieces are usually worn stacked together, and may have symbolism meaningful to the individual wearer.

White beads are usually said to represent the milk of their cattle, and therefore is associated with purity. Most of the symbolism relates in some way to their cattle, which are considered central to their way of life.

 

I like the white one......it makes a statement ..

 

Thank you for the detailed, thoughtful response, Taupou. Much appreciated.

Also thanks to Eve an Komokwa for taking a look.