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.

The red color of the traditional Maasai Shuka resembles the uniform of the Maasai soldiers who fought for the Roman Empire. The shuka cloth can alternatively be blue, striped or checked and known to be strong and thick to protect the Maasai from the harsh weather and terrain of the savannah, hence the nickname; the African blanket.