The traditional attire of Greenland - the Kalaallisut is colorful and richly decorated. It consists of colorful anoraks, dark sealskin pants or shorts, embellished or embroidered high kamik boots and a large beaded collar worn by women called the yoke. I love the fact that this is probably the only country where both men and women traditionally wear trousers due to the harsh cold climate.
Named after the first female Boeing 787 Dreamliner captain in Kenya. Kenya is home to more than 40 tribes, each with its own unique traditions and slightly different clothes. This cow is donning a typical beaded necklace that is a common form of adornment among the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, Pokot and Kikuyutribes.
The cow in Hinduism, is revered as the ‘nourisher’ and ‘giver of sustenance’. The cow to many people in India who practise Hinduism, is a symbol of life. Two goddesses take the form of a cow – Mother Earth as well as the goddess Kamadhenu.
Indigenous people in Canada comprise of the First Nations, Metis and Inui. Their regalia include woven textiles, jewellery, make up, footwear such as moccasins, and accessories like headbands, armbands, breastplates, shawls, ankles and dance sticks. Apart from important ceremonies, regalia is also worn during their dances called Powwow. Powwow styles include traditional, Grass and Fancy, Jingle dance and Fancy Shawl.
The cow’s regalia was inspired by an image of a First Nations woman dancing the Fancy Shawl at the 2015 Frog Lake Canadian Classic Powwow.
Laos is one of the most ethnically-diverse countries in South East Asia, it is home to 140 official ethnic groups. The Akha is an indigenous hill tribe of the western part of Laos. The men and women wear eye catching outfits that are usually black or dark blue with bright indigo-dyed embroidery. What sets Akha fashion apart from other highland tribes are the women’s intricate headdresses. There are three main styles – a pointed one (U Lo), a flat one (U Bya) and a helmet-like one (Phami) . Each head piece is unique to its wearer and can represent her age, local tribe, social and marital statuses. Beginning in mid-teens, the girl would exchange a one-piece cap for an ever-evolving adult headdress and adorns it with various decorations like silver coins and chains, feathers and fur; glass beads and tassels. Because Akha marriages are not pre-arranged, headdresses tend to be the most vibrant during the women’s early twenties, signifying her availability.
“And to all Singaporeans, a warm welcome home….”
I love hearing this flight announcement every time we are about to land in Singapore when I fly Singapore Airlines. This happy cow’s expression sums up these emotions don’t you think?
This painting has personal meaning to me. I am blessed to call two multi-cultural, safe and peaceful countries, Singapore and Switzerland, my home. There is no national costume for Singapore, but we have a national orchid, named Vanda Miss Joaquin. And I think the iconic kebaya print on the flight attendant’s uniform is one of the most famous symbol of Singapore to the world.
This cow’s flower garland crown is inspired by the famous female Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo. Her art is inspired by nature and artifacts of Mexico, and she never shied away from using a very distinct folk art style to explore questions of identity, gender and class in Mexican society.
Tibetian women’s headdress is called ‘bazhu’ and ‘baguo’. The ornaments on the headdress are usually made of high-quality silver, corals and turquoises and sometimes even animal bones. These materials are very common in Tibet but contain exquisite connotations and are worn usually in weddings and festivals.
The traditional headdress is called the Vinok or flower crown made of artificial flowers and ribbons. The intricate flower wreaths were used to signify statuses of females in society or worn at weddings.
