This country is in the Horn of Africa and possesses a rich cultural heritage. Among the most important aspects of Somali culture is traditional clothing that indicates a culture’s history, climatic conditions, and Islamic influences. Traditional clothing varies according to gender, occasion, and regions of Somalia, but maintains a unique character that has continued from generation to generation.
Traditional Attire for Men
Somali men wear a long cloth that is tied around their waist, called a macawis. The garment is similar to a sarong and is made of lightweight cotton, suitable for hot climatic conditions. Macawis is produced in many colors and many different designs, although plaided designs are most common. The macawis is worn with a long-sleeved shirt or a tunic called kamis, simple yet elegant for both formal and informal occasions. On their heads would be worn a koofiyad, a traditional embroidered cap, representing cultural pride and Islamic faith. In formal settings, men wear a long white robe or a two-piece outfit closely related to the Arab thobe.
Traditional Attire for Women
Somali women are thus expected to wear traditional garments, which would be an embodiment of eloquence and culturally proud expressions. The dirac, one of the oldest and widely worn outfits, is a long, flowing gown made of lightpos or transparent fabric. The dirac is an elaborate dress made in a variety of beautiful patterns with very bright colors, usually worn with a matching blouse over an underskirt. This dress is worn by women, mainly during weddings or while being celebrated.
On an everyday basis, however, it is common for many Somali women to wrap themselves in the guntiino, which is similar to a sarong, but consisting of a rectangular piece of fabric. As opposed to the dirac, this is much more informal and offers a number of styling options for different occasions.
By the same contemporary Islamic practices, Somali women wear hijab or shash with their traditional dress. Sometime women also wear garbasaar, which is a shawl worn over the shoulders or tied around the body for lunch or additional decoration.
Clothing for Special Occasions
During marriages or religious ceremonies, men and women put on their best pieces of traditional attire. Men pick out elaborate macawis and kamis, usually using a bisht to highlight and embellish their outfits. In comparison, little more adorned than the dirac, women make use of henna as an art on both hands and feet and complete the fashion with a nicely styled scarf.
Modern Trends in Somali Fashion
With globalization and migration, Somali fashion has changed to accommodate modern styles alongside traditionalism. Many young Somalis wear a mix of both worlds by pairing the dirac with modern accessories or, wearing a macawis with Western shirts. Modern trends in fashion are also accepted by Somali designers where they do come forth with fashionable and yet decent clothes, embodying both traditions and modern.
Conclusion
Somali traditional clothing represents far more than mere cloth; it embodies cultural identity, heritage, and religious values. In Somalia or in the worldwide diaspora, these clothes are proud symbols of a heritage that has established the very face of Somali culture.
KNOW HERE MORE ABOUT SOMALIA
