Maasai herder near Arusha wearing a traditional red and blue plaid Shuka cloth.
The vibrant plaid you see on the herder's shoulders isn't just a wrap—it’s the Maasai Shuka. Known as the “African blanket,” this durable cloth is a powerful symbol of identity for the Maasai people. Usually found in bold reds to symbolize power or blues to represent the sky, it is as functional for warmth on the plains as it is striking to the eye.
Fun Fact: While the Shuka is globally recognized as Maasai, it is widely believed that the plaid patterns were originally influenced by Scottish missionaries during the colonial era, which the Maasai then adopted and made uniquely their own!
I captured this image on our way to our first Kilimanjaro climb. Now, as we prepare for Zanzibar, I’m reminded of how every corner of this country tells a different story.