Learn the story behind the Maasai's iconic shuka cloth with G Adventures, exploring its cultural significance and vibrant colors.

In the hall of fame of legendary Kenyan textiles, the Maasai shuka may just be the most recognisable cloth. Though it is now synonymous with the identity of many Kenyans, the story of the shuka is rooted in culture that was taken out of its original context and lost to time.

A Kenyan clothing label has taken inspiration from the patterns of the shuka cloth to produce clothes and accessories in vibrant tribal prints. Nairobi-based Wan Fam Clothing was founded by brothers Jeff and Emmanuel Wanjala to pay homage to Kenya's Masai culture.

This cloth, known as the Shuka, is not just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of Maasai identity and culture. The Shuka’s bold colors and patterns are more than just decorative; they carry a rich history and serve practical purposes in the harsh environment of East Africa.

In the 1990s, manufacturers began producing wooly synthetic cloth that was likely acrylic, which led to the blanket-like cloth many people are familiar with today. A different theory suggests the coming of the iconic shuka pattern.