In an ecosystem hostile to permanent agriculture, a family’s survival revolved primarily around the formation and maintenance of a large and healthy herd of cattle, goats, and camels. These animals, and the milk and meat they provided, were among the only consistent sources of nutrition throughout much of inland, east Africa, and movement between watering holes and grazing fields was frequent. Unsurprisingly, containers for storing and consuming water, milk, and meat are among the most common objects produced by this region’s nomadic populations. Engineered for life on the move, the shape of these lightweight objects was designed to enhance their portability. Note the gentle curve on the incised Maasai vessel. It is easy to imagine how this object, displayed here with its animal hide strap still intact, would have fit over the shoulder of a man or woman traveling across the highlands of Kenya or Tanzania. However, the beads and careful geometric designs indicate that these objects were created with an eye toward beauty. Even the negative space of the humble Turkana bowl echoes the shape of the Turkana shield displayed behind you. Taken together, these works demonstrate that even the most functional objects were created with an eye toward aesthetics.