Massai Figurines and Sculptures by Stacy Bayne

MAASAI COLLECTION BY STACY BAYNE

A Joyous Day - Tamasha - This is the most important day of our lives - at last we are married and as mume na mke (husband and wife) we can look forward to all the joys which our union will bring. We enjoy our days as a pretty en-tito (young woman) and a brave moran (warrior), but the rhythm of life moves on even as the seasons do and now is the time for us to experience the wonder of children and the wealth of cattle. So with the blessings of Oldoinyo le Engai ('the Mountain of God') we shall leave our mark on our people even as an impala deer leaves its print on the earth.

Aisha - Jewel Of The Tribe

I enjoy helping my mother with all of her jobs. At the moment I am carrying a bowl of porridge for my baby brother as well as a bag of honey beer which I am taking as a special treat to my father."

Aisha - Jewel Of The Tribe

"I enjoy helping my mother and take nourishment to the men of the tribe."

Amara-Princess Of The Plains

"I am the youngest daughter and care for our infant animals. I sing to them, study their markings and learn their ways. A rolled up 'esos' mat made of woven lion grass bound with leather strands fences off a corner of our hut to create a pen. If I look after the animals well I will be given many rewards ."

Aminah - She Is Trustworthy

"My mother has trusted me to clean out the olmosori, the large calabash used for brewing honey beer. I have to take out the fruits of the kigelia Africana tree which were put in while the beer was fermenting."

Art Of The Maasai - Sannaa

Art of The Maasai - SANNAA"My calabash is used for collecting milk and honey beer. I decorate it with brightly painted patterns, swirls of colored beads and glossy cowrie shells. The first milk of the morning will be given in praise of Engai in return for his blessing."

Atiya - Joyous Gift

"I welcome my brother's new bride to our family's engagement and give her a beautiful calabash decorated with intricate design. Each family member honors her with gifts and when she is satisfied she will enter her new home."

Awena- Gentle Sister

"Today Bakari has been entrusted into my care whilst my mother makes repairs to our hut in readiness for the coming rains. Now that I am older I help my mother with her many duties and when it becomes time for my marriage I will already know how to take care of my husband and children."

Bahiya - Beautiful One

"I am a Maasai girl. I dream of my handsome warrior and sing songs of love to him. I adorn my face and body with ocher and wear brightly colored beaded necklaces to please him. Soon I will be married and my 'yeiyo' mother prepares and guides me in the ways of a Maasai wife."

Bakari - Full Of Promise

"I dream of becoming a warrior and at night play 'Warriors and Lions' with the other boys. we stalk invisible lions and defend our livestock and kraal against attack. Sometimes we play engilaut and practice jumping high. When I am a warrior I will perform Adumu (jumping dances) and the higher I jump the taller I will stand within the tribe."

Chiumbo - Little Creation

"I dream of the day I will become a warrior and then an elder, learning the ways of my people."

Daughter Of A Warrior - Nafula And Nijeri

Daughter of a Warrior - - NAFULA and NIJERINafula - 'Born During the Rainy Season' "All through our lives we reach for the future in our elders. As elders we see the future of our people in our children. That is the cycle. That is the way. And she was born during the rainy season - surely that is a good omen for the tribe." Height 10.5cms, 4" Njera"I want so much to be older when I can be no more than a child; when I can sing with the murrain, make myself beautiful and make my warrior father proud of me"

Days Of Freedom - Jana

Days of Freedom - Jana"As we throw the stones in our game and see how they fall, it is like the game of life - what lies in store for us as we make the journey from these carefree days of freedom through to marriage and motherhood. but whatever happens as we travel - we know that our lives as Maasai will be exciting and fulfilling."

En Kirotet - Footsteps Of The Heart

Since I was a little girl I have lived this day in my heart many times. I have been given my entente, my wedding necklace, by my mother and her friends. I cry out my grief at having to leave my family engaged. Now I must walk forward to my future not looking back, as I might turn to stone for my sadness. But in my heart there is a growing seed of excitement. . . as my new husband helps me forward to my new home. I will be en-kirotet, his favorite wife..

En Kirotet - Footsteps Of The Heart

"Since I was a little girl I have lived this day in my heart many times. I have been given entente, my wedding necklace, by my mother and her friends. I cry out my grief at having to leave my family engang. Now I must walk forward to my future not looking back, as I might turn to stone for my sadness. But in my heart there is a growing seed of excitement... as my new husband helps me forward to my new home. I will be en-kirotet, his favorite wife."

En Kirotet - Footsteps Of The Heart

Eshe - She Is Life

"I am the youngest wife and I travel many miles to fetch water for my engang (enclosure). Other wives accompany me and together we sing songs of praise to Engai. As we journey across the plains our prayers bring blessings that fall like droplets of rain."

Fearless Sentinel

"I am the ol-murrani, a moran a warrior. What a proud and honored time this is in my life as a Maasai! With my spear always at my side, I must be strong, clever and courageous. I am loved by the en-titos, who sing for me and who love me as I love them."

Freya - Love Fills Her Heart

The Bride - From Wedding Set. "Our betrothal was made during childhood and I have imagined this day often. This morning is our first together as man an wife. The sun is rising on the horizon and the heat is already shimmering in the distance. My husband leads me to where his cattle stand grazing and invites me to choose my ng' ombe bora (favorite cow). It is his gift to me. I will tend this cow and it will nourish our family. My ng' ombe bora symbolizes my husbands love for me".

Full Of Song

Do you hear me proudly singing songs of love to my warrior? I am en-tito. Do you see my beautiful decorations? I am proud to wear beautiiful necklaces and beaded hides, and to have the upper part of my ear decorated with beaded earrings. My time is mostly spent with the warriors, and my adornment is for their pleasure. All parts of my life are filled with pride, even the time I am now spending in perfection of the skills I will soon need when I become a maasai wife.

Gentle Sister - Awena

Gentle Sister - Awena t>Today bakari has been entrusted into my care whilst my mother makes repairs to our hut in readiness for the coming rains. Now that I am older I help my mother with her many duties and when it becomes time for my marriage I will already know how to take care of my husband and children.

Gentleness In Her Soul - Dalila

Gentleness in Her Soul - Dalila “I am happy to be told that I am gentle - as gentle as the honey beer that I carry in my bag. And it is with gentleness that I look after little Azizi.”

Habibah - Heartfelt Offering

"The moment of my wedding - the most important day of my life. After the wedding ceremony was over, I followed my husband and his best man all the way to his engang and now he is giving me a gift of honey beer. His family will give me many gifts of cattle and goats so that I may be satisfied that he is worthy of me. Until then, I will not enter his family's kraal or even speak to him."

Habibah - Heartfelt Offering

The moment of my wedding- the most important day of my life

Habibah - Heartfelt Offering

Halima - Strength Of The Family

"I am a Maasai mother. It is my duty to milk the cattle and I return with gourds of milk that give strength and nourishment to my people."

Hazina - Treasures Of The Heart

"Today my sister becomes a Maasai bride and she will leave the family engang forever. She will make this journey alone but will walk towards her new life clothed in a wedding robe decorated by our mother and guided by the blessings given by our father. Adorning her neck is her entente (bridal necklace) and lying beside it is my gift to her- an intricately beaded necklace woven with my love and colored with my memories."

Heart Of The Family - Mchumba

Heart of The Family - Mchumba This is truly a great day for us! We have a saying -'With our children as our sustenance, our treasure surrounds us,' and we are proud and happy to have brought our new baby back home after the happy occasion of its naming ceremony. We will watch this little one grow with pride and joy for we know that it is only through our children that our Maasai way of life will survive..

Heart Of The Family - Mchumba

Husani - The Gift Of Love

"How happy I am to be taking my first wife. At long last we have arrived outside my kraal and my family have given her many gifts. My gift is an offering of honey beer and I look forward to the moment when she says she is content with our offerings and she will then talk to me and enter my home - then our marriage can begin."

Jamila - African Beauty

"I adorn my body with ochre to make myself beautiful for my warrior. I sing songs of love as I wait upon his return."

Kamaou - Quiet Warrior

"Oh to be a Warrior! One day I will be as they are; graceful, accomplished, sure of myself and my place. . . "

Kaweria - Loving One

"I sing a song to myself as my fingers make a beautiful robe"

Keeper Of Fortune

Keeper Of Fortune - Ol-Ayioni

I am the ol-ayioni, the young boy. I am proud to be the family herder. For us, the Maasai, our cattle are our lives, so this is a fine task. Even though I am only seven years old, I am able to care for and guide these animals which are much larger than me, and I am sure to get them to pasture which will keep them well fed and healthy. Although I am proud and able to handle the cattle well, the best time of my life yet lies ahead, and I look forward to it eagerly - this is the time when I will become a warrior. Prior to that step, I must offer myself to an initiation ritual. It will be a great gift and a necessary and honoured custom. Some of the boys who are just a few years older than me are hunting small birds, as will I, in order to obtain feathers for the head-dress which I will wear after the initiation ritual.

Kibibi - Little Mother

"Today I have gathered chalk from the riverbank to bless my sister's wedding. I wrap it in small squares of animal skin, bound tightly together with sinew and pray for my sister's happiness and a marriage blessed with many children and cattle. I offer this blessing in my right hand to signify the importance of such an occasion: a new season in my sister's life."

Kipenzi - Beloved Ones

"My beloved and I stand at the beginning of our lives and look forward to the future with hope and wonder."

Kitwana - Pledge Of Devotion

The Groom - From Wedding Set."When yesterday's sun greeted the hills, our lives, like neighboring rivers run their own course. Today the sun rise sees our lives woven together like uzi (twine)- the strength of which lies in the strands that form it. Yesterday we walked alone - today we step forward into the future together."

Kokoo - Days Of Reflection

"I am kokoo, a Maasai grandmother. The loving honor and respect shown to me by my grandchildren is my greatest joy in these quiet days of reflection."

Kokoo Days Of Reflection

Little Creations - Chiumbo

Little Creations - CHIUMBO"I dream of the day I will become a warrior and then an elder, learning the ways of my people."

Little Mother

Little Mother My head is filled with dreams of my handsome warrior and my days are spent by his side - singing songs of love or beading necklaces to make myself look beautiful. I help my mother care for my brothers and sisters and look forward to the day when I too will become a Maasai mother.

Love Fills Her Heart - Freya (bride) & Pledge Of Devotion - Kitwana (groom)

Wedding Set Love Fills Her Heart - Freya (Bride) & Pledge of Devotion - Kitwana (Groom) The bride dons her wedding dress made of sheepskin decorated with intricate patterns of brightly colored saen (beads). She wears many bead necklaces, the most elaborate being the 'entente' (bride necklace). The bride and groom are blessed and washed with milk and green grass - symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Proud family members are tinged with sadness, for the bride will now leave her family engang for that of her husband's.

Matojo - Honor Of The Tribe

"I am a Maasai warrior. I carry a buffalo shield adorned with the brand of my favorite cow and my quiver contains small arrows which I use to hunt birds. Soon I will enter Eunoto. This ceremony symbolizes my transition from warrior to the elder. During the ceremony my mother will shave off my long plaited hair in preparation for elderhood" Limited Edition

Mayasa - Worthy Of Respect

"I am Mayasa and I herd my family's flock. I carry an 'esos' mat of rolled up lion grass and I will use this to make pen for our infant animals. I wear an ornate headdress and much jewelry reflecting my family's standing with in the tribe."

Mother's Touch - Entanakita

'Grow up my child, Grow up like a mountain, Equal Mount Meru, Equal Moint Kenya' A Maasai song to a child. "My little one knows how much he is cherished; each child deserves the love of a mother's touch."

Mother's Touch - Entanakita Color

Grow up my child, Grow up like a mountain, Equal Mount Meru, Equal Moint Kenya' A Maasai song to a child. "My little one knows how much he is cherished; each child deserves the love of a mother's touch.

Mtembei - He Who Roams The Plains

I am a Maasai son and I care for my familys herd. My stick, which I use for herding, is sharpened at the tip to represent the warriors spear- which one day I will carry. I know my herd well and I noticed a missing cow the way I would an absent friend. Soon I will enter Emorata, the ceremony initiating me into warrior hood, and a sacrificial ox or bullock will mark that day.

Mtembei - He Who Roams The Plains

"I am a Maasai son and I care for my family's herd. My stick, which I use for herding, is sharpened at the tip to represent the warrior's spear- which one day I will carry. I know my herd well and I noticed a missing cow the way I would an absent friend.

Mtundu - Teacher Of Knowledge

"I am the wisdom of the tribe passing on knowledge to future generations. Olngesherr is the ceremony that will deliver me into my new way of life. I officiate at tribal gatherings and bless those undertaking rites of passage."

Mumbi - Mother's Embrace

"Like the roots that nourish the tree I a 'yeyio' mother, nourish my family. My branches spread far and my love encircles the tribe. My husband's first and second wives are as sisters to me and when we are together we dance and sing many beautiful songs thanking Engai for his blessings: 'Give us children. Give us cattle. Our hope is with you always.'"

Mumbi - Mother's Embrace

Mwari - New Life

"The necklace I am wearing is a gift from my beloved warrior. When he is out hunting he calls my name in victory. Soon I begin the next stage of my journey symbolized by the sacred rituals that mark the beginning of my new life and my readiness for marriage."

N Koliontoi - Daughter Of Africa - Color

"I am a daughter of Africa and I am proud of my birthright and heritage."

N Koliontoi - Daughter Of Africa - Patina

"I am a daughter of Africa and I am proud of my birthright and heritage."

Njeri & Nafula

Njeri:"I want so much to be older when I can be more than a child; when I can sing with the murrain, make myself beautiful and make my warrior father proud of me." Nafula:"All through our lives we reach for the future in our elders. as elders we see the future of our people in our children. That is the cycle. That is the way. And she was born during the rainy season - surely that is a good omen for our tribe."

Noni - Little Treasure

"How I love to wear all my beautiful beadwork and flirt with handsome warriors--this is a good time of my life: I help mother but I also have freedom to be with my friends."

Nuru - Holder Of Dreams

"It is a great honor to tend to my family's flock of sheep and goats. I know all of them by name and can tell when one of them is unwell or when they are in danger. I have to remain alert because if one of them strays I will be in terrible trouble! But as I care for the wealth of my tribe I dream of my fiture when I will be a great warrior."

Ol-Akuyia - Age Of Privilege

"I am the ol-akuyia, the senior elder, the grandfather, I am blessed in all that I see around me now: wives, cattle children and grandchildren and in this late stage of my life as a Maasai man, I am considered an honored adviser."

Ol-Akuyia - Age Of Privilege

I am the ol-akuyia, the senior elder, the grandfather, I am blessed in all that I see around me now: wives, cattle children and grandchildren and in this late stage of my life as a Maasai man, I am considered an honored adviser.

Ol-Akuyia - Age Of Privilege Color

Ol-Murrani - Fearless Sentinel

What a proud and honoured time this is in my life as a Maasai! I must be many things for the tribe - protector of the tribe, protector of the herds, and with my spear always at my side, I must be strong, clever, courageous, confident, wise, and gentle.I am the inspiration to the ol-ay n , the admiration of the en-t to, pride of my yey , the reminder of grand youth to the ol-ak y . I remember well the days of olaibartani which followed my initiation, how I waited impatiently for the days to pass to the eunoto ceremony, the time when my head and eyebrows were shaved, and I could finally and proudly throw my bird head-dress amongst the cattle to be trampled. Now, with my hair long and beautifully braided, I, with the other warriors, am respected and needed by my tribe. I am also loved by the en-t tos, who sing for me, who love me, as I love them.

Ol-Oiboni - Visionary

Ol-Payian - Gentle Ruler Color Edition

"I am the ol-payian, the junior elder - the father. Warrior hood was exciting but I was pleased to become an elder even though I had to have my head shaved. Now I have married and am privileged to be able to take part in tribal discussions."

On This Festive Day

My festive day of solemn transition has arrived; Enkaibartani, the ritual healing, had just begun, when a man from another Maasai enkang came to my parents with gifts of heifers, a bullock, honey, tobacco, beer, and blankets. With these gifts, he requested that I be given to him in marriage. Now, on the day of my marriage to him, I am clothed in the most beautiful finery I have ever worn; I am full of both great joy and deep sadness. My new husband, who already has two wives, has given two rams and a ewe to my parents today, and a long day of glad dancing and singing has passed. My yeyíô and kokoô, with tears in their eyes, stand near the donkeys, adjusting my belongings on their backs. I know that a great part of my life lies ahead, but leaving my family for my husband's enkang is a sad time.

Pride Of The Maasai - Morani

Princess Of The Plains - Amira

Princess Of the Plains - AMIRA"I am the youngest daughter and care for our infant animals. I sing to them, study their markings and learn their ways. A rolled up 'esos' mat made of woven lion grass bound with leather strands fences off a corner of our hut to create a pen. If I look after the animals well I will be given many rewards ."

Rare Beauty - Adimu

Rare Beauty - Adimu Nights on the Savannah can be cold, but the sticks that I am bringing back to our engang (enclosure) will make a good fire to keep us all safe and warm tonight. I know that as I walk with my head held high and my burden on my back, I attract many admiring glances from the warriors, but I only have eyes for one and I hope that someday we shall marry.

Rehani - Sacred Vows

"I was born to make this journey and the footsteps of my heart have walked this way before. I am a Maasai bride and this is my wedding day. The path upon which I tread is symbolic delivering me from my past into my future. The way before me is swept clear

Rehani - Sacred Vows

I was born to make this journey and the footsteps of my heart have walked this way before. I am a Maasai bride and this is my wedding day. The path upon which I tread is symbolic delivering me from my past into my future. The way before me is swept clear as I look forward to a life of devotion to my husband.

Rich Blessings - Chaniya

Safiya- Her Heart Is Pure

"I have made a calabash for my sister to take with her to her new village after her marriage. Each time she collects milk or honey she will look at it and remember me. I cut a gourd from it's vine and scooped out it's contents before leaving it to dry in the midday sun. When it is hard I attach a leather strap decorated with beads. Then I carve my sister's favorite pattern into it's body and stain it with dark ocher."

Salima - In Safe Hands

"Softly I sing songs of encouragement to my little brother and keep him amused while my mother works. I hold his hands steady as he takes his first faltering steps."

Sauda - Dark Beauty

"I am en-tito, a Maasai maiden. I am not yet eligble to marry so I spend much of my time creating my magnificent beadwork and making myself pretty for the moran - the warrios. I have mixed ochre in the mixing bowl and I am going to help my friend decorate herself with it and then she in turn will help me in turn. I am enjoying being free and feeling the admiring glances of the warriors."

Somo- A Sisters Love

"All the children in our family engang are as brothers and sisters to me. The mother's of the compound share the responsibility of childcare. I look after my younger half-brothers and sisters and learn what it means to be a Maasai mother."

Sudi - Loving Father

"I am a junior elder and a proud Maasai father. As I cradle my first son in my arms, I look towards the future with happiness and pride when I can teach my son the Maasai way of life."

Sweet Melody - Nena

Sweet Melody - Nena "My sister and I sing song's of love as we follow the pathway down towards the river. We are collecting chalk from the riverbank to make into 'blessing parcels'. The sound of the river mingles with our voices creating a sweet melody, as the river, like Maasai life, flows along a course which has been fashioned over centuries."

Tambika - Sister's Offering

"Today I have gathered chalk from the river bank to bless my sister's wedding. I wrap it in small squares of animal skin, bound tightly together with sinew and pray for my sister's happiness and the marriage blessed with many children and cattle. I offer this blessing in my right hand to signify the importance of such an occasion: a new season in my sister's life."

Tambika - Sister's Offering

"Today I have gathered chalk from the river bank to bless my sister's wedding. I wrap it in small squares of animal skin, bound tightly together with sinew and pray for my sister's happiness and the marriage blessed with many children and cattle. I offer this blessing in my right hand to signify the importance of such an occasion: a new season in my sister's life."

The Cattle Game - Set Of 4

"I am masomakali and I look after my families cattle. I am teaching mahiri and mtoto to play the cattle game. I draw an 'engang' enclosure in the dirt and give each a pile of stones and rocks - 'our cattle'. One day, mahiri and mtoto will herd real cattle, just like me."

The Gift

Ujamaa - Everlasting Bond

"The bond of family is everlasting and like loving arms it encircles and protects our children, elders, tribe and heritage."

Yahya - God's Gift

'A young boy and a black calf - god's two greatest blessings.' In the child is the future of the tribe and the calf is the same color as 'engai narok', the black god who is good and benevolent.

Yeyio - Mother's Love

I am yeyio, a Masaii mother, full of love. This busy and productive time of my life has not slowed since the day I walked into my husband's enkang. One of three wives, we have come to care well for one another, and with my first child accompanying me on my back, I go through my days with many responsibilities: providing safety to children and herds, nourishment to my family, and love to them all. My long, decorated skirt is just one of my rewards which has been given to me in this time of my life. I do much to maintain the well-being of the enkang also maintaining the condition of my manyatta with any necessary repairs and appreciated decoration. Butchering meat for the family, tanning and tailoring and moving the enkang as necessary to accomodate the needs of our much loved cattle. My children are my greatest blessing in life, and the greatest gift to my people.

Youthful Days (en-Kerai)

I AM THE YOUNG GIRL, I AM NEAR THE AGE OF SEVEN, I HAVE BEEN CARRYING WATER AND GATHERING WOOD FOR MY MOTHER.

Youthful Dreams - Suwedi

Youthful Dreams (SUWEDI)"One day I will fulfill my dreams of becoming a Maasai warrior. I will decorate my shield with brightly colored patterns, which will tell the story of my bravery to all who understand their meaning. I will be a great warrior and entitos will sing songs of love for me."