You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering why tribal clothing is gaining popularity. The clothing industry has been criticized for generalizing various cultures by describing them as “urban.”
Native American headdresses
We all know that Native American headdresses are popular. Celebrities, musicians, and even the average Joe are wearing them, but are they fashionable? While some people wear these headdresses as a fashion statement, others consider their cultural appropriation. Some of the most famous Native American people have worn headdresses based on their heritage. While these outfits are not necessarily offensive, they can be seen as a form of ignorance.
Native American headdresses have a rich cultural meaning. The meaning varies from nation to nation, but these headpieces have religious significance. Typically, males have to earn feathers to wear them and do good deeds to make feathers, which are used to create a headdress. Women also wear feathers, sometimes as headdresses, during special ceremonies.
Navajo weaving techniques
Unlike European looms, Navajo looms have no moving parts, making them ideal for hand-weaving tribal clothing. Traditional Native-made blankets had a slit across their width, making them mantas, while European-style looms made serapes. The serape shape was much easier to weave on a loom. Often, the serape resembled a poncho, and the weaver sat on the floor during the process. The finished fabric is then wrapped around the loom to look like a shirt.
While Navajo people still use their traditional weaving methods, American yarns have become popular. Many handsome blankets are made with Germantown wool. Navajo weaving techniques for tribal clothing aren’t going away anytime soon.
Navajo textiles were initially used to make saddle blankets, cloaks, and dresses. Then, they turned to making rugs for tourism. While their fabrics were woven in flat tapestry fashion, they featured strong geometric patterns similar to the Eastern-European kilims. Unlike kilims, Navajo textiles do not feature the slit weave technique, and Navajo textile traders encouraged incorporating kilim motifs into Navajo designs. You may check AJJAYA to learn more about tribal clothing.
Ojibwe headdresses
Ojibwe headdresses have a long and storied history, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t own one. This unique headpiece is not going anywhere anytime soon! The culture of the Ojibwe people is deeply rooted in the concept of unity, which is reflected in how the tribe lives and crafts. It is nearly impossible to separate the people from the land, with its cyclical seasons and mysterious life cycles.
Navajo headdresses
Despite the many fashion faux pas, Navajo headdresses aren’t going anywhere soon. Recently, Pharrell Williams wore one on the cover of Elle UK. But the pop star is far from the first celebrity to wear one. Other celebrities wearing headdresses include Gwen Stefani, Christina Fallin, and Victoria’s Secret models. Music festivals like Glastonbury and Field Day feature sun-kissed dudes in war bonnets.
Wearing a headdress isn’t just about being cool; it can also be an educational tool, bringing you closer to nature and other-worldly peace. When you wear a headdress with pride, you align yourself with a sacred history often overlooked by non-Natives. If you wear a Navajo headdress, make sure you have pride in your heritage.
While many people don’t see headdresses as fashion accessories, they are a way of expressing one’s identity. They’ve made their way to Hollywood and the music industry, but their popularity hasn’t diminished. Aside from celebrities wearing them, Native American headdresses are also a staple at music festivals. It’s difficult to imagine an event that wouldn’t feature a headdress-wearing Native American woman.
Maasai headdresses
Maasai tribes are known for their traditional African blankets, the Maasai Shuka. The resurgence of this traditional African clothing has inspired designers worldwide to create a men’s collection. This trend may not last, but the Maasai culture is here to stay. Unlike traditional headdresses, the Maasai Shuka is not going anywhere anytime soon.
These headdresses are worn during ceremonial rituals, a celebration of circumcision. The father of a teenage boy wears a ceremonial headdress with a cape made from goatskin. The father also smearing his head with sacred red ochre marks the entry into a new stage of life. The Maasai also practice circumcision on their girls, a practice that is slowly declining.
The Maasai have been wearing headdresses for centuries. It is a symbol of pride for the Maasai. The headdress is considered an essential part of a Maasai headdress. Maasai warriors spend hours on their headdresses; some even pierce their earlobes. In addition, the men also cover their bodies with ochre to protect them from predators. Beadwork is another essential part of Maasai body ornamentation, with intricate patterns covering the discs. Even young girls participate in beadwork.
