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Namibia - Adaptation to Western Costume
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Namibia - Adaptation to Western Costume
A very interesting card produced by the German Catholic Mission to Namibia, showing the before and after result of the adoption of a western style of clothing to the native populace. I rather prefer the former... Date: circa 1920
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Media ID 7177601
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10506910
Adopting Adoption Approach Attitude Attitudes Change Changing Decency Mission Missionary Namibia Namibian
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing photographic card, produced by the German Catholic Mission in Namibia around 1920, showcases a stark contrast between the traditional attire of the native population and their adoption of Western-style clothing. The before-and-after image serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural shifts that occurred during the colonial era in Africa. The "before" image depicts a group of Namibian men and women dressed in their traditional attire. The women wear colorful skins adorned with intricate beadwork and the men are clad in animal hides, both reflecting their deep connection to nature and their rich cultural heritage. The "after" image reveals the same group of people dressed in Western-style clothing, including suits, dresses, and hats. The adoption of these new fashions signified a shift towards Western values and ideals, as promoted by the missionaries. The approach of the missionaries towards the native populace was rooted in the belief that they needed to be "civilized" and "Christianized." The promotion of Western-style clothing was seen as a means of instilling decency and respectability in the indigenous people. However, the imposition of Western fashion trends also served to erode traditional cultural practices and identities. The contrasting images on this card raise important questions about the role of colonial powers in shaping the cultural landscape of their colonies and the impact of such changes on indigenous populations. While the Western-style clothing may have represented progress and modernity to some, others saw it as a threat to their cultural heritage and identity. Ultimately, this photographic card serves as a reminder of the complex and nuanced ways in which colonialism and cultural exchange played out in Africa and beyond.
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