Samburu Beaded Collar Kenya JK Brown Collection

These Samburu mporro engorio beaded collars were traditionally given to Samburu women upon marriage. Similar collars were also worn by the Rendile women. When elephants were plentiful in the northern desert areas of Kenya, these collars were made of elephant hair instead of palm fibers.

Provenance: Jk Brown Collection

Kathie and Jerry Brown have been collecting trade beads for more than 50 years. They had a business selling them for many years, called “Thunder and Lightning.” According to Jerry, “Kathie was the lightning, and I was the thunder!” Their collecting began in 1967 when they met a Peace Corps volunteer who was selling his collection to finance a school for African children- and the Browns bought it all. Over the years, they’ve amassed thousands of stands of Venetian and other European trade beads, as well as made-in-Africa beads and jewelry. They sold at Mountain Man rendezvous and other events. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owner of this extraordinary collection.

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