Our beadwork is inspired by Maasai beading techniques that go back hundreds of years even before modern day beads were invented. The Maasai are pre-dominantly found in Kenya and Tanzania. They are one of East Africa's most iconic tribes and are well known for their unique lifestyle that is structured around sustainability. The Maasai believe that God created the earth and put them on it to protect it. God then gave them cattle to nature themselves and the sky to provide water. In Maasai tradition there are seven main colors that symbolize these key elements of their life. Red is the most important color for the Maasai and it symbolizes bravery, unity and strength. It is believed to scare away predators like lions. Red is synonymous with cow's blood which is spilled when people come together in celebration. Orange represents friendship, generosity and hospitality. Yellow is the color of the sun and represents life. Green symbolizes health and well being and is associated with vegetation that provides food for the cattle. Blue is the color of the sky and water which represent energy for life. White is symbolized by milk from the cow which is a main part of the Maasai people's diet, it represents peace and purity. Black represents the people and the struggle they must endure to sustain life. Through beaded jewelry, the Maasai have been able to express their beliefs and come up with exceptional pieces of art that show their pride and beauty. At Couco Beads we draw our inspiration from the Maasai people and want to share their art with the rest of the world. As a young boy, I got to experience the art of bead working while living in a Maasai community and I thought it would be a great idea to share it with the rest of the world in a form that everyone would feel proud of. Everyone is proud of where they came from and we want to help you show that pride with a beaded flag bracelet.