East Africa

The Maasai people of Kenya are well-known for their intricate beadwork. Maasai women are responsible for creating these highly symbolic masterpieces, which communicate social status, gender, age, identity, and a plethora of culturally significant information about the wearer. All of the beadwork is done by the women of the tribe. However, all members of the tribe wear these creations. Different colors and designs can have various symbolic meanings. This cultural creation is a type of symbolic ornamentation.

The Engoma or royal drum is a common ensemble instrument used by the Bantu peoples of Ankole, Uganda. Seen here, accompanied by a single drumstick, it is played by both men and women, though only men use the instrument in royal enclosures. The Engoma is traditionally made from a hollowed conico-cylindrical shaped tree trunk. It has a rattle dispensed into its body and a single skin of hunted prey or cattle stretched over its top. The straps of that same skin are twisted into thongs that connect to the skin stretched over its smaller base. Though both ends are covered with skin, only the wider, top end is struck, making it a single-head drum. It is commonly accompanied by other instruments and vocals throughout many different ceremonies and celebrations among the Bantu.