Costume and Culture – JSS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Third Term)

Costume and culture is the link between what people wear and the way of life, beliefs and history of their community.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define costume, culture and ceremonial outfit.
2. State three reasons why ceremonial outfits are important.
3. Describe the ceremonial dress of the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa/Fulani and Niger-Delta peoples.
4. List the rules of cultural etiquette for wearing traditional clothes.
5. Explain how to care for expensive traditional fabrics.

What are costume and culture?

Costume is the clothing and accessories that show the culture of a people or the meaning of an occasion.

• Culture: the way of life of a people, including dress, food, language, music and beliefs.
• Costume: the dress, caps, beads and other items that carry a community’s story.
• Everyday example: at a wedding or festival, you can often tell where a person comes from by the outfit.

What is a ceremonial outfit?

A ceremonial outfit is a special kind of clothing worn during important events.

• Traditional weddings: for example Igba-nkwu (Igbo) and Idana (Yoruba).
• New Yam festivals: celebrations of the harvest of the new yam.
• Coronations: the crowning of kings, such as Obas, Obis and Emirs.
• Naming ceremonies and burials: family events where people dress with care.

Why are ceremonial outfits important?

Ceremonial outfits show identity, respect and status.

1. Identity: it shows your roots, whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Edo or from another group.
2. Respect: wearing traditional attire shows respect for the host and the culture.
3. Status: items such as special beads or feathers can show that a person holds a title.

What are the ceremonial outfits of the main Nigerian groups?

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, and the three largest are the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo.

The Yoruba (South-West)

The Yoruba are famous for Aso-Oke, a hand-woven cloth.

• Men: the Agbada, a large flowing robe, worn over a buba and sokoto (trousers).
• Men’s cap: the Fila, which completes the outfit.
• Women: a Buba (blouse) and Iro (wrapper).
• Women’s head-tie: the Gele, the most important part, tied in creative shapes.

The Igbo (South-East)

Igbo ceremonial wear is colourful and full of symbols.

• Men: the Isiagu, a shirt with lion-head patterns, worn over trousers.
• Men’s accessories: a cap and often a walking stick.
• Women: wrappers (often George or lace) with a matching blouse.
• Women’s accessories: heavy coral beads around the neck and wrists.

The Hausa/Fulani (North)

Northern fashion is influenced by climate and religion, and it stresses modesty and elegance.

• Men: the Babban Riga, a large robe like the Agbada but with different embroidery.
• Men’s cap: the Hula, a highly decorated cap.
• Women: colourful wrappers and blouses.
• Women’s coverings: a Hijab or a veil called the Gyale.
• Henna: women decorate their hands with henna (Lali).

The Niger-Delta (South-South)

The Niger-Delta peoples, such as the Edo, Urhobo and Ijaw, have their own distinct styles.

• Edo: known for heavy coral beads, worn by both men and women.
• Ijaw/Kalabari men: a long shirt called the Donne and a bowler hat.

How do the outfits compare?

What is cultural etiquette in wearing traditional clothes?

Cultural etiquette is the set of rules that guide how we wear traditional clothes with respect.

• Do not copy titles: wear certain beads or red caps only if you hold the title.
• Respect chieftaincy dress: in many cultures, wearing “Chief” clothing when you are not a chief is disrespectful.
• Mind the length: the Agbada, Isiagu and Babban Riga are meant to look big and grand, so short versions lose their beauty.
• Wear the full outfit: include the cap, head-tie or other parts that belong to the dress.
• Ask elders: if you are unsure how to wear an outfit, ask an elder.

How do we care for traditional fabrics?

Fabrics such as Aso-Oke and lace are expensive, so they need gentle care.

1. Avoid harsh detergents, which can damage the threads and colour.
2. Wash gently by hand, or send the cloth to a dry cleaner.
3. Do not wring or scrub the cloth hard.
4. Dry the cloth in the shade.
5. Fold it neatly and store it in a clean, dry place.

Evaluation

1. Define costume and ceremonial outfit.
2. State three reasons why ceremonial outfits are important.
3. Name the men’s cap of the Yoruba and the men’s cap of the Hausa/Fulani.
4. Identify three accessories used in Nigerian traditional fashion, for example beads, walking sticks and caps.
5. Give two rules of cultural etiquette and one way to care for Aso-Oke.

Assignment

Write the name of your ethnic group and describe what the elders in your community wear for a big celebration. Name at least three items and say what each one shows.