I took part in a conference which had a world-wide theme, organised by the ERTF.  My presentation was called Identity & Adornment and included images and items from my collection from many regions in Africa and India. Here are a few of the images below and as you can see we really did cross continents.

A young Himba girl from Namibia shows her distinctive hair style.

Bead work from Africa – this time it’s bead work worn by a Maasai woman in Tanzania.

Petronella was wearing a traditional Herero style dress and head dress at work in the  Ethnographic Museum in Windhoek, Namibia.

This wonderful chest ornament is constructed using the familiar beads and buttons so distinctive of the Xhosa people. It would be worn by a man.

Now to India……

Isn’t this a wonderful jacket worn by the headman in Wakro, a Miju Mishmi village in Arunachal Pradesh?

These are traditional costumes worn by the Ao people at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. You can read more about the festival on my post in December 2010.

This young girl was part of a dancing group, all dressed in traditional costumes, who performed in Bikaner in Rajasthan, It was a magical evening magical – watching her dance while balancing several pots, all lit up in flames.

Later, an ERTF member gave us  a presentation of Danish embroideries and included many anecdotes which made it more personal.  After lunch  Katie Chaplin gave a demonstration showing how to dress a mannequin with a full ceremonial Kimono.The kimono itself was beautiful and it was a revelation to see how many layers and folds were involved.

We had time to discuss and exchange ideas and it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to ask questions, buy supplies, as well as meet up with like-minded people. You’ll find more information about ERTF on their website http://ertf.org.uk

I was delighted to find out about The Foundling Museum and will write about it in the next post.