Alina Carta’s passion for horses has been the foundation for the creation of her line of accessories. She has been associated with polo clubs around the world. She was one of the first members of Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in Wellington, Florida, and served as the director of polo at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic for four years. In 1982, she was ranked as a 2-goal player – one of the highest ranked women in the US at that time. This involvement with polo over 35 years has inspired her to develop a unique as well as a sturdy(practical) interpretation of the bridle brow band.
As saddle pads and bandages serve to distinguish polo teams around the world, the customized brow band decoratively distinguishes the individual owner. As well as other equestrian sports. The pictures below were taken in Kenya with my sister Maite in 1984 when we went on a safari. The other pictures are of me and my first horse Pancho. The photos of Pancho and I were taken in Vero Beach Florida when I was 12.
Our brow bands, dog collars, bracelets, key chains and other items are all handmade in Africa by the Masai Tribe to our company’s specification. The designs are all inspired by the Masai’s customary tribal attire and decor.
Their bead work has had a long history among the Masai women. Passed on through generation to generation.
The beads are bold in color and typically set in high contrast patterns which are spiritually meaningful for the Masai, a reflection of our inner and external world.
Sun/rain, day/night, young/old, war/peace, chaos/harmony
Below are some examples of the significance of Masai colors:
- Green: grass
- Blue: sky
- White: purity
- Red: blood, warriors, bravery and danger
- Black: hardship, rain
- Yellow: sunshine
- Orange: hospitality (color most preferred by the Masai women)