We’re home again, but I’m still
under the spell of Bolivia. Certain images swim through my mind, and one of
these is of Aymara women and their beautiful clothes. Here is one area where
the Quaker testimony of plain clothes has not caught on. Cultural aesthetic
values tend toward bright colors and glitter. Perhaps that has to do with the
harshness of the natural context, at least on the high plains where most of our
Friends originated.
A beautiful shawl tells people, “I’ve
arrived. I’m important.” Even among Quaker women. It also tells people the
family is prosperous enough to purchase one of these costly garments. And some
of the shawls are homemade, of course—knitted, embroidered or appliqued.
If the Quaker value for
understatement and plainness is to catch on here, it has to come from within the
culture, not imposed from the outside. In the meantime, I, personally, enjoy
the display.
Following are photos taken during
yearly meeting or in a Sunday morning worship service. Some of the ladies are
friends of mine, others are strangers.
Thank you for sharing this, Nancy! I love the photos! Kay
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. They are beautiful and a lot of work to make.
ReplyDeleteThese made me smile a lot. I counted my scarves and shawls--47--many gifts, some practical, but mostly "finishers". I love to finish my rather plain outfits with just the right piece of fabric. But, none of mine are as detailed or dramatic as the ones in your pictures. Those are more than finishers. They make a statement. Why do I see you giggling (sort of) while taking these photos?
ReplyDeleteYou're very perceptive, spiritual friend.
ReplyDelete