Kikuyu Women's Traditional Outfit (1902) and Jewelries (1906)
Cultural heritage of Kenya
design Details
Kikuyu Women's Outfits and
Jewelries
Kikuyu People
1902-1906
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kikuyu women's apron
Class: Textile - Woven
Medium: Cotton
Dimensions: W 8 1/4 in. x H 8 in. (21.2 × 20.6 cm)
Description: This Kikuyu apron from Kenya is made of leather and richly decorated with cowrie shells, beads, and metal elements. It was worn by women as a marker of age, status, and cultural identity, especially during ceremonial occasions. The materials and craftsmanship reflect both local traditions and the symbolic value of adornment in Kikuyu society.
(Source: The British Museum Website)
kikuyu women's skirt
Class: Skirt
Medium: Animal Skin, Glass Beads, and Iron Chains,
Dimensions: W 23 1/4 in. x H 23 1/4 in. (59 cm × 59 cm)
Description: This skirt is made of animal hide and decorated with beadwork and stitched details. It was worn by Kikuyu women as part of traditional dress, often signaling age, marital status, or participation in ceremonial events. The apron reflects Kikuyu craftsmanship and the cultural importance of dress as a marker of identity and social meaning.
(Source: The British Museum Website)
kikuyu women's earrings
Class: Jewelry - Anklet
Medium: Glass Beads, Iron Chains, Wood, and Leather
Dimensions: H 3 1/2 in. x W 29/32 in. x D 9/32 in. (H 8.9 cm × W 2.3 cm x D 0.7 cm)
Description: These Kikuyu earrings are made from leather, metal chains, beads, and imported materials such as glass and coral-colored beads, reflecting both local craftsmanship and trade influences in early 20th-century Kenya. Worn in pairs, their dangling chains and bead strands created movement and visual impact, signaling identity, status, and adornment within Kikuyu culture. The combination of materials highlights how Kikuyu jewelry blended traditional forms with globally sourced elements.
(Source: The British Museum Website)
kikuyu women's Anklet
Class: Jewelry - Anklet
Medium: Iron and Animal Skin
Dimensions: H 3/8 in. x W 4 1/8 in. x D 2 1/2 in. (H 1 cm × W 10.5 cm x D 6.3 cm)
Description: This anklet is made of metal crescent-shaped elements strung together and was traditionally worn by women. Such anklets signified adornment, cultural identity, and sometimes social or marital status within Kikuyu society. The weight and sound of the metal also added a sensory presence during movement and ceremonial occasions.
(Source: The British Museum Website)