Kandake Maasai Wedding Collar | East African Beaded Collar | East African Beaded Necklace | Tribal & Ethnic | Afrocentric

Maasai Wedding Collar.

Kandake is an Ancient term from the Nile Valley denoting a Queen Mother, Queen Regent or Royal Woman. Also spelled as Candace in Latin. The Kandakes of Meroe, Ancient Kingdom of Kush, ruled from the city of Meroe, now modern day Sudan. This esteemed title was also applied to the Kandake, or Warrior Queen, who drove invaders out of Kush on elephant. With great reverence, Kandake is said to have also originally referred to the Mother of the King, from around 170 BC to 314 AD. These Queen Mothers had their own court, were land holders, and held position in the secular world as Regent. She was the One Who Would Bear the Next Heir, as matrilineal tradition dictated that you could ascend to the thrown without coming through the womb of a royal woman.

The Maasai people chiefly inhabit the areas between Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania. In the culture, a woman's status and position in society are reflected in the beadwork she wears, which in modern times is shown in detailed beadwork and color patterns. On her wedding day, Maasai women are adorned with a heavy, elaborate beaded necklace. The type of necklace worn signifies the woman's age. As in tradition, the more beads worn, the higher her status.

This is an exquisite, one of a kind necklace. Also worn for special occasions. This lovely, colorful piece features a choker with 10” adjustable, flexible neck. The beading varies from 1.5” - 4”. Tassel extends downward approximately 18”, adorned with a cowry shell at the very end of the tassel.

Made in Kenya.