The Garifuna costume is a clothing of African origin, made of a colorful fabric known as a mandaguina. It consists of three pieces called "cheguidi" or "gounu", "gudu" and "musie".
These costumes are directly related to specific religious practices, linked to spiritual rituals, dances and superstitions.
The use of accessories such as necklaces and bracelets made with seashells is characteristic, as well as the seeds called tears of San Pedro.
The Garífuna are an ethnic group of Zambos that is located in various regions of the Caribbean and Central America.
The miscegenation with the Caribs and Arahuatos began when African slaves, specifically from Nigeria, were shipwrecked in the so-called West Indies in 1635, while they were taken to be enslaved.
They manage to escape and are welcomed by the Carib Indians, who offer their protection.
Main characteristics of the garifuna costume
The costumes of this cultural group of African descent is one of the most striking and colorful in America.
It is a costume that was made by hand by the grandmothers or older women in the community. It required a particular skill, and her technique was passed down from mother to daughter.
The material originally chosen for the elaboration of this costume was the chambran, called "uadubi" by the Garífuna.
Unlike the rich colors with which this costume is identified today, the "uadubi" was a fabric with fairly subdued colors and with a coarse texture.
From the "uadubi" he went to the mandaguina, which is a cloth similar to the dacron. With its use the characteristic cheerful colors begin to appear.
Female suit
The costume for the women of this community consists of three pieces: the «cheguidi» or «gounu», which mean blouse or nightgown; the "gudu", which is the skirt; and the 'musie', which means handkerchief.
Blouses or nightgowns feature slim sleeves, a square neckline, lace trim, and buttons down the front. The skirt can be straight in the form of a tube or starting from several blades or stripes.
The scarf has a particular religious significance. Its use in religious ceremonies is of vital importance since it represents an act of respect for the ancestors.
The scarf also represents an element of protection because they consider that diseases enter through the head.
Therefore, for a long time it was a daily used item and widely recommended to women who had just given birth or who were prone to mental illness.
Male suit
The men's suit is characterized by baggy pants, also in vibrant colors. Its fabric is loose and fresh.
For the upper part of the body they use flannels or shirts of loose fabrics with many colors, some in gradient.
You cannot miss the use of the headscarf to cover the head, just as women use it. It is also used as a sash to protect the spine and as a symbolic element in some dances, such as the uanaragawua.
References
- Anderson, M. (2009). Black and indigenous: Garifuna activism consumer culture in Honduras. Retrieved on December 17, 2017 from: books.google.es
- Gargallo, F. (2000). The Garífuna of Central America. Retrieved on December 17, 2017 from: redalyc.org
- Izard, G. (2004). Heritage and ethnicity of the Garífuna of Belize. Retrieved on December 17, 2017 from: books.google.es
- Mohr, M. (2007). The Garifuna in Central America. Identities of an Afro-Caribbean population. Retrieved on December 17, 2017 from: redalyc.org
- Garífuna. Retrieved on December 17, 2017 from: es.wikipedia.org