Necklace Item Number: 3596/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Round beaded neck ring with small rectangular panel at front. Necklace consists of six strands of glass beads in encircling rows, becoming successively smaller in size towards centre. Rows are (from interior to exterior): alternating dark blue and red, yellow, yellow, dark red, dark red, and alternating dark blue and white. Additional orange beaded row zigzags around three quarters of the necklace's outer edge; circular metal charms hang from every other point of zigzag. Rectangular panel at front is decorated with plain rows of beads and a triangular motif across the bottom half; two large diamond beads decorate top edge and middle of panel. Two crescent-shaped charms, attached to the panel with buttons, hang from bottom corners. Strips of leather placed intermittently across neck ring to hold beads in place. Necklace secures at back with two hook clasps.
Would be worn by a Samburu girl.
Rudolf Kovanic acquired this necklace in 1999 in a Samburu village bordering the Samburu National Reserve, in Northern Kenya. Kovanic was in the area to film a wildlife series.