In Africa, the loincloth represents the frontispiece of clothing fashion. Beyond habits, it is a tradition and even for some categories of people, an obligation. However, with globalization, this habit seems to disappear in our contemporary societies.
In the 21st century, tying a loincloth becomes a real concern for women. Certainly each generation lives according to the realities of its time and the conveniences that go with it, but can this explain turning our backs on these roots? The loincloth is a light garment worn in hot countries. It is made of a piece of fabric, leather, feather or vegetable material. It carries an identity and even a message depending on the way it is tied.
Sociological significance of loincloths
As much as we recognize the Frenchman by his costume, the African and especially the black woman identifies herself by her loincloth. Indeed, in African societies, there are several ways of tying loincloths. And each loincloth according to its colors, the way it is tied transmits a message on the spot. This is why it is said that the loincloth in Africa speaks. It is a message. As proof, knowingly trampling on a woman’s loincloth in full view of everyone is an act of contempt and therefore a declaration of war.
In addition, the elderly woman who threatens to undo her loincloth in public during an argument condemns her audience to a curse. In Africa, when one wears a torn loincloth, it means physical, material or psychological decay. When in the middle of the day, a woman throws away her loincloth, it is synonymous with overwork or madness. On the other hand, when a man tears off one of a girl’s loincloths or scarf, this is a sign of love for the girl.
In the past, when you meet a woman who has tied two loincloths, one on top of the other, the message is clear: she is a married woman. Whereas when a girl wears a single loincloth, she is not yet married. All this explains the sacredness of the loincloths in the black culture.
On the men’s side, when you enter a concession, the man of the house is recognizable by the loincloth that he ties around his hip with a big knot. The loincloth reflects the life of the person who wears it. For customary marriage ceremonies, loincloths represent half of the dowry. Moreover, the woven loincloth is specific to traditional chieftaincies. Thus, the royal loincloth is often stained with designs and even illustrates the mystical order and power of kings. This explains the fact that the royal loincloth is not bought at the market, but is often made by the king’s own weaver.
Even when a newborn is born, it is welcomed in a loincloth, it is carried on its back with a loincloth and it grows up with a loincloth around its neck. In ancient times, a woman’s wealth was primarily the number of loincloths she had in her room. And much more, their quality .
The impact of globalization
Today, we talk about globalization. A phenomenon that is slowly taking away many of our traditions and beliefs. Sociologists will talk about social mutation but to what end? At the cost of the total disappearance of our morals certainly. The loincloths are now replaced by pants, skirts and dresses. On the male side, it is understandable but it is inconceivable to represent the African woman without loincloths.
Pauline Tagbé, 22 ans affirme :C’est moins fréquent de voir des filles ou des femmes nouées des pagnes dans les rues de Cotonou. Culturally, we no longer know who is married and who is not. said Sophie Edah (30 years old).
All this in general has for master word the French colonization. It has diverted Africans from their culture by imposing a new one on them. In the order of causes, there is also the arrival of new clothing trends. The imposition of service dress in certain jurisdictions. The explosion of Christianity and Islam which desacralized the myths built around the loincloths.
Dangers of acculturation and perspectives
Africa is moving towards a new form of colonization. A dress reform with a European and American profile is on the horizon. Even in the most remote areas of the continent, few are those who still recognize the value of loincloths. Young Africans prefer to dress in relaxed pants, anything that does not enhance our culture. Thus, future generations may not know anything about the importance of loincloths.
In addition, it will be necessary to promote the wearing of loincloths. Because an important part of African culture is dying. After all, don’t we often say ?
