The Red Check Shuka
The checked cloth worn across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania. Woven from cotton and wool, soft and warm, and generous enough to wrap around the body, throw over a bed or drape across a sofa.
Colour: Red Check
The story
The shuka is the cloth of the Maasai: worn across the shoulders by herders on the plains of Kenya and Tanzania, against the cool morning air and the midday sun. Its bold checks are made to be seen from miles away.
Details and care
Woven from cotton and wool: warm, soft and lightly textured, with a fringed edge. Handpicked by Fielroc in Kenya.
- Hand wash in cold water or on a gentle wool cycle, with a mild wool detergent.
- Wash separately: deep reds can release a little dye in the first washes.
- Do not wring, bleach or tumble dry. Press the water out gently.
- Dry flat or over a line, out of direct sun, so the colours stay rich.
- Between washes, shake it out and air it outdoors.
- Store folded in its dust bag.
Size
One generous size, cut long enough to wrap around the body the way the Maasai wear it, or to throw across a bed or sofa.
Shipping and returns
Every piece ships from Kenya to anywhere in the world. Delivery times vary by destination; you will see the estimate for your country at checkout.
14-day returns on unused pieces in their original packaging.
The story of the shuka
Red, the colour of courage.
Long before woven blankets, the Maasai wore hides rubbed with red ochre, the colour of the earth and a sign of courage. When cotton cloth arrived by trade, it was coloured the same way. Today's checked shuka carries that colour forward, worn by herders against the cool morning air and seen from miles across the plains.
Unboxing
What arrives with your piece
Soft sand-toned cotton with a gold FIELROC mark, to store your piece between uses.
Tied to the bag with natural jute twine: where your piece comes from and the meaning behind its colours.
Every order carries a thank-you, written by hand and signed Ashe oleng, "thank you very much" in Maa, the Maasai language.
Sending it as a gift?Tick "Make it a gift" and it arrives with your own message written by hand on our card and no prices inside.
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