Headdress (Enkuraru)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-head ornaments-headdresses

Culture Maasai

Date20th Century

Made AtTanzania, Africa

MediumLeather and ostrich feathers

DimensionsOverall: 24 x 32 in. (61 x 81.3 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number93.59.1

DescriptionThis is a 20th century ostrich feather headdress from the Maasai culture of Tanzania in Africa. It is constructed of a leather band with ostrich feathers attached. This type of headdress is called an enkuraruand and is worn by morran, a class of Maasai male warrior herders. The enkuraruis are worn exclusively by morran who have yet to successfully hunt lions. The design of this headdress is interesting as it bears a purposeful likeness to the feline’s mane. The headdress was traditionally used for tribal warfare but is now primarily used ceremonially. Enkuraru are primarily composed of leather with small straps that secure the surrounding ostrich feathers. Like many types of clothing and adornments from the region, the headdress also features colored glass beads, which are worked into a leather band attached to the headdress.

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