Central African Women Pearl Fashion Bridal Jewelry 90

Central African Women Pearl Fashion Bridal Jewelry.

By Aamir Mannan. 

Many people in the Central African Republic like living traditionally. Though there are those who have adopted French customs, most prefer to live the way of their parents and forefathers. A lot of them place emphasis on clothing; women wear loose tops and a length of cloth (pagne) around the waist as a skirt. The men’s clothing on the other hand may look like pajamas but are something of a fashion statement in the country. The pajamas have block printed African designs on them. Batiks and tie-and-dyes are common.

The tradition of storytelling still lives on in the country. Some of the folklore is sung to the accompaniment of drums or traditional instruments like the ‘ngombi’ (ten stringed harp) and ‘sanza’ (guitar). The legends of the tribe ‘Gbaya’ are especially prolific and some of these have been translated into French. The French themselves have their own memoirs and accounts of events, some fictional, in their own language.

Since ancient times, the Aka Pygmies have used the drum as a ‘bush telephone’, sending messages to far flung areas warning of impending danger or announcing the king’s diktat. The music of CAR today is influenced by Caribbean and Latin American rhythms. Horns, flutes, whistle and voice ensembles make up their music, with a curious and haunting harmony. Every social ceremony must have music and dance – it is a mark of their celebration of life.