As a necessity determined by the social norms of that community, clothing has been an essential component of society since the earliest civilizations, as evidenced by the fact that it is handed down from generation to generation. Notably, the fashion culture in Africa is not an exception, having an effect and altering not only the lives of Africans but also those from other cultures. Omatseye and Emeriewen (2012) claim that Africa is a deeply diverse continent with people from various cultures dressing differently. The struggle and division of Africa in the late 19th century can be attributed to the disparity in clothing, as the various colonizers adopted various views regarding how to dress. Studies conducted indicate that other factors such as trade, inter-cultural interactions, freedom of travel, and technological advancement have played a role in the evolution of the dressing culture in Africa (Omatseye and Emeriewen).
Undeniably, the kind of clothing adopted by each culture is dictated as much by the climate in which those people live, the culture, and an individual's social, economic standing. According to Omatseye and Emeriewen(2012), many of the different parts of the continent play home to various nationalities with their distinct traditional dress. The role of this paper, therefore, is to conduct research on the clothing culture of Africa and thereby gain insight into the effect that it has on other cultures. While modern times have seen a move away from the traditional dress for a majority of these people, there is still the importance of learning more about the African clothing culture and how it informs the culture of those affected.
Dress Culture
From time immemorial, clothing has been an important part of society. However, in the contemporary world, the multi-faceted fashion industry, climate, and religion are significant determinants in what African choose to wear (Omatseye and Emeriewen). It is imperative to note that both men and women wore different in the medieval African culture. Indeed, throughout the African clothing culture, women's clothing was made to accentuate all the aspects of the female body while focusing on the message of fertility. The evolution of African dress culture lack historical backings with much of the African clothing history being pierced together from oral histories, and other traditions passed on by present-day tribal members. With the adoption of the western cultures, African have migrated from their traditional clothing to the use of fabrics (Omatseye and Emeriewen).
Research indicate that different African cultures have adopted different forms of dressing (Dons 144). For example, the Nigerian people wear long flowing robes which have been accepted as official wear in official capacities in the working place (Dons 144). In other places of Africa such as North Africa and East Africa, it is common to encounter with men wearing head caps and women wearing headscarves. In the contemporary world, the African print has been introduced to the formal suit and tie with many suit jackets for men made from African prints that match with the plain pants and shirts. Indeed, such a fashion has become synonymous with Africans and has been adopted in other parts of the world such as Europe, America, Asia, and some parts of South America (Dons 144).
It is imperious to realize that the African mode of dressing has greatly affected other cultures especially the African-Americans. For example, more outstanding than some specific pieces of jewelry or clothing is the interest in hairstyle and headwear by both the African-American men and women. Evidence indicate that the medieval West-Africans who participated in the slave trade had a concern for clean hair and ornaments and this has survived among the African-Americans (Dons 145). Indeed, studies show that those people who grow up in a particular culture become infused with the culture of that given society which can be knowingly or unknowingly during the entire process of interaction. Indeed, the fundamental belief systems in the African culture predicated the concept of the dress culture which gave rise to the production of the art associated with the dressings. Thus when African in their cultural beliefs produced or creates their clothing culture which they regard as admirable, then their aesthetic value is brought to the limelight.
Conclusion
Clearly, the African clothing culture has undergone transformation because of the western influence. However, it has impacted many industries especially the entertainment which has adopted many strategies to portray the dressing culture in films, and print. With the changes encountered in information and technology, then much is bound to change in the African clothing industry. The African dress culture has had a significant influence in the modern world with other cultures adopting certain aspects of the African dress culture. On the other hand, globalization has brought immense benefits to the world with the mutual exchange of cultures and other social values taking place. Further, this has led to a greater understanding and a better appreciation of the African dress culture. It is, however, important for people of African culture to understand that their culture is never an outside phenomenon but is immanent within their social norms. Accordingly, much should be done to maintain the already adopted dress cultures.
Works Cited
Dons, Eze. "Nigeria and the Crisis of Cultural Identity in the Era of Globalization". Journal of African Studies and Development 6.8 (2014): 140-147. Web.
The researchers highlights the changes that have taken place in the cultural environment of Nigeria because of globalization. The researchers takes a look at the various influences of globalization on, particularly Nigeria. The journal will be significant in the research paper as it will give information on how globalization has affected a particular African clothing culture.
Omatseye, Bridget O. J, and Kingsley O. Emeriewen. "An Appraisal of the Aesthetic Dimension to the African Philosophy of Cloth". Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa 3.2 (2012): 1-11. Web.
The researchers highlights the aesthetic nature of the African cloth and indicates how the culture of a specific people is synonymous with their clothing. The researchers do an in-depth analysis on the various African clothing and their significance in the African conception of clothing. The journal will be significant in the research as it will articulately give information on the various African cloths worn by both men and women.
