Modesty Apron

Like other nomadic pastoralist groups in eastern Africa, the Turkana place a high value on costumes and adornments. These art forms are designed to convey one’s identity, social position, and family status. The upside-down U-shaped decorations at the lower edge of this apron were part of a design trend, indicating that a fashionable married woman wore it. Specific colors of beads arranged in particular patterns might also indicate details about the woman’s new husband’s village, family history, or status.