Google Arts & Culture, the online platform of high-resolution images and videos of artworks and cultural artefacts by tech giant Google, unveiled an online exhibition dedicated to honouring the Maasai community.

Dubbed ‘Maasai: Wisdom of a Community’, the archive shines a light on the nomadic community and includes five exhibits about the Maasai and legends by the National Museums of Kenya.

It seeks to enable audiences worldwide to learn more about the community’s rich cultural heritage through over 430 high-resolution images and 55 exhibits.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza termed the archive a notable case of digitising African history for future reference.

“This body of work is yet another demonstration of how collaborating on digital transformation is making Kenya’s culture and heritage universally accessible while preserving it for future generations and driving greater interest in tourism,” she said. 

The online archive provides visitors with different ways to get to know more about the Maasai, such as learning to speak and count in Maa through audio-narrated stories that guide one through the Maasai way of life.

The exhibition also walks you through sustainable architectural practices and the symbolism behind the colours and patterns of Maasai jewellery and the history behind the material of Maasai jewellery.

According to the Country Director for Google in Eastern Africa, Agnes Gathaiya, the online exhibition gives a glimpse into the livelihoods, architecture, craftsmanship, jewellery, folklore, language, mythology and rituals as practised by the Maasai community.

“I invite you to discover more about the Maasai in East Africa and learn about their legendary Maasai warriors, Senteu, Mbatian, and Lenana. From the iconic red of their Shuka cloth, to their ‘adumu’ dance ritual, the Maasai community has lived in East Africa for hundreds of years,” she said.

The project was commissioned by Google Arts & Culture with partners, Project Fuel, a non-profit working with local communities and the National Museums of Kenya.

It includes seven exhibits on Maasai folklore and mythology and 29 illustrations completed by Indian artist Advithi Emmi.