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Maasai Ceremonial Reed Rattle Kayamba

Maasai Ceremonial Reed Rattle Kayamba

Regular price €195,00
Regular price Sale price €195,00
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Maasai people, early 20th century, Kenya or Tanzania, East Africa

Beautiful aged traditional reed shaken rattle kayamba. Maasai are an indigenous ethnic group inhabiting northern, central and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The pastoral Maasai are fully nomadic, wandering in bands throughout the year and subsisting almost entirely on the meat, blood and milk of their herds. The measure of a man's wealth is in terms of cattle and children. The monotheistic Maasai worship a supreme being and creator known as Enkai and serves as the guardian over rain, fertility, love and the sun. Enkai has a dual nature: Enkai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Enkai Na-nyokie (Red God) is vengeful. It was Enkai who gave cattle to the Maasai people. There are also minor deities like Neiterkob, the mediator between God and men. Goddess of the Moon (Olapa) is married to Enkai.

Across the East Africa, the kayamba is a popular and typical form of shaken rattle. Played by women it is made from dried reeds of grass lashed together into rafts. Two rafts are fastened tightly together and separated only by wooden walls, to form a shallow box. Rattling material, like bone pieces, seeds or small pebbles are closed inside. The kayamba is held in both hands and shaken side to side to produce a soft rattling sound. Good condition. Age-related wear and signs of heavy use. Beautiful black encrusted patina. Minor cracks and fractures. Size approx. 31,0cm x 27,0cm x 5,0cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection

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  • Shipping

    The shipment will be prepared in the course of 3-5 days and dispatched via Posti Group Oyj or purchased item(s) can be picked up from our shop during the store's opening hours (Tarkk’ampujankatu 4, 00140, Helsinki, Finland). Within the Finland, all items are shipped via Posti Group Oyj unless otherwise requested. We pack the items carefully and mainly in recycled materials because we want to save nature. You will receive the tracking number for your items by e-mail.

  • Returns

    Returns and exchange will be accepted within fourteen days (14) of receipt at the purchaser’s cost to include freight and packaging. Items must be returned in the same condition as when they were shipped, and will not be accepted if damaged or altered in any way. Please inform us via email (info@gotanmaailma.fi) or by calling +358408408352 before sending. We do not accept returns more than 14 days after delivery.