Jamaican ethnic dress: an evolution of cultures from post emancipation period 1938 to independence 1962

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural background and clothing of the women who came to Jamaica during and after slavery, with the intention of creating contemporary ethnic garments reflecting the evolution of these cultures. The literature review illuminated the fact that the people of Jamaica have evolved from a historical process of colonialization that brought various peoples together forming a multi-ethnic nation. The Jamaican culture is a synthesis of all these various cultures which occurred during the process of creolization, however the popular culture is heavily influenced by the African heritage, while all formal lifestyle and behavior is definitely British. This evolved from a long process of resistance and struggle with colonialism and slavery. All immigrants brought their customs in dress to Jamaica but had to adapt to their new environment and the demands of the dominant ruling culture of the Europeans. This resulted in European styled clothing for all Jamaicans. Traditional garments from three of the cultures (Africa, India and China) were selected as design inspiration for the new ethnic garments. This resulted in ethnic garments combining modern western, African, Indian and Chinese elements with a Jamaican influenced fabric. This fabric was designed by the blending of elements from the national symbols to represent a Jamaican value and national identity. Embodied in these garments are the past, present and the future. The findings revealed that although Jamaica is a multi racial country, the majority of Jamaicans are of African descent that resisted and protested the domination and oppression of the ruling European culture. Adopting European dress by these women was a political act that expressed their rejection of oppression, and also shows that they too can be ‘ladies’. Dress was a form of expression and resistance. This design study created new garments for the modern Jamaican woman that reflects her heritage and roots. The new designs inspired by the Jamaican multi racial cultural heritage were executed in the newly designed fabric which was the unifying element. The combination of several elements from the various cultures into one outfit truly reflected the national motto Out of Many, One People. The garments showed influences from the past, but were modern, functional, suitable for different occasions, and are aesthetically pleasing. The garments and presentation boards were displayed at UW-Stout Research Day.