Social status of an individual in the community played a huge role in the way one can dress and what kind of materials to use. Customary South African clothing usually is spotted with bright colors across the different tribes. The colors were usually a visual display of the ranking of the individual in relation to the other community members.
The most recognized tribe is the Zulu who are easily identified by their richly multi colored garments especially when it comes to the woman's outfits. This was especially important for the single ladies to be easily identified and gave the men a visual confirmation of their status before been approached. Married women wear less colorful attire accessorized by a shawl and hat called 'ibhayi' and 'isicholo' respectively.
Xhosa single women get away with been bear breasted and only cover up using colorful necklaces and short skirts. Their male counterparts throw on bright blankets and wear conical-shaped hats as a status symbol. The mode of dressing is handed down from generation to generation.
Venda men wear Scottish skirts made out of grass accompanied with either feathers or other paraphernalia depending on the occasion and position. Women wear from simple grass loin cloths to leather ones depending on their maturity and social standing. During ceremonies every member of the community was expected to play his or her part by dressing up specifically for the occasion.
The Afrikaans community is probably the most unique of all the country's communities. Their dressing consist s of ordinary shirts and pants and skirts. It is only during out of the ordinary events do they wear garments made out of fine materials such as silk.
By knowing the different styles adopted by the fore fathers, South African clothing is certainly a bar above many countries when it comes to fashion. The effervescent custom is a motivation for many designers. This is so true considering that the country is now coming up with an attire that will strictly be South African.
The most recognized tribe is the Zulu who are easily identified by their richly multi colored garments especially when it comes to the woman's outfits. This was especially important for the single ladies to be easily identified and gave the men a visual confirmation of their status before been approached. Married women wear less colorful attire accessorized by a shawl and hat called 'ibhayi' and 'isicholo' respectively.
Xhosa single women get away with been bear breasted and only cover up using colorful necklaces and short skirts. Their male counterparts throw on bright blankets and wear conical-shaped hats as a status symbol. The mode of dressing is handed down from generation to generation.
Venda men wear Scottish skirts made out of grass accompanied with either feathers or other paraphernalia depending on the occasion and position. Women wear from simple grass loin cloths to leather ones depending on their maturity and social standing. During ceremonies every member of the community was expected to play his or her part by dressing up specifically for the occasion.
The Afrikaans community is probably the most unique of all the country's communities. Their dressing consist s of ordinary shirts and pants and skirts. It is only during out of the ordinary events do they wear garments made out of fine materials such as silk.
By knowing the different styles adopted by the fore fathers, South African clothing is certainly a bar above many countries when it comes to fashion. The effervescent custom is a motivation for many designers. This is so true considering that the country is now coming up with an attire that will strictly be South African.
Comments (0)
Posting Komentar