Samburu married woman’s necklace “mporo” – Kenya – fibre, leather and beads Details Origin: Kenya People: Samburu Type: Married woman’s necklace, “mporo” / “mporro” Material(s): Palm fibre, braided hair or fibre, leather, glass beads, ochre and animal fat residues Dimensions: approx. 29 x 24 cm Period: mid-20th century Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner Description A fine Samburu married woman’s necklace, known as mporo or mporro, from northern Kenya. Among the Samburu, body adornment and especially beadwork play an important role in expressing identity, age, status and life events. The mporo necklace is specifically associated with married women and forms part of the visual language of Samburu marriage. This example is especially appealing for its restrained and elegant construction. Unlike more ostentatious examples with three or four large fibre bundles, this necklace has two relatively modest bundles, giving it a lighter and more intimate presence. The necklace is made from multiple curved strands of fibre or hair. The upper part is wrapped in leather, with traces of red ochre and animal fat, creating a warm brown surface with a strong old patina. The outward-facing front is marked by a vertical row of red beads. These red beads are particularly significant in the regional bead culture of northern Kenya and are often associated with Rendille bead traditions, also circulating through exchange networks with neighbouring groups such as the Turkana. Curiously, the face worn against the skin is the one decorated with multicoloured beads — red, pink, green, yellow and blue — which are less prestigious but add a more intimate and hidden layer of colour to the object. This contrast between the visible red-beaded front and the more colourful inner side gives the necklace a particularly interesting character, both socially coded and materially refined. A very attractive Samburu mporo necklace, appreciated for its rare restrained form, old leather and fibre construction, patinated surface, red-beaded front and clear association with Samburu married women’s adornment. Condition Good condition overall, with wear, dryness, abrasions, small losses, fraying and surface irregularities consistent with age and use. The leather and fibre elements are old and should be handled with care. Beautiful old usage patina, with traces of ochre and fat on the leather-wrapped section. Please refer to the photographs. Included The necklace only. The photographic support is not included.