Krista Zeghers

After a trip to Tanzania, Africa, in 2012 my thoughts kept returning to the Maasai people we met.  How could they maintain their culture in a globally influenced world?  The Maasai women’s role seemed assured; one always needs food and shelter, which is their responsibility.  But what about the future of the men?  The Maasai Warriors’ role as defenders against wild animals and other tribes seemed superfluous. 

Using Tsukineko Inks I painted portraits of three different aged Maasai warriors: young, middle aged and elderly.  Mounted on a strip-pieced landscape, the quilted words represent the fates for each warrior.  The perspective borders bring the viewer eyes closer to the centre for a detailed look at the warrior’s image and words surrounding him.  The bottom of each border contains a traditionally pieced block reflecting the turmoil that each warrior faces.