Living over here in the lush luxury of central heat and air, we sometimes forget how different other cultures are. In New York, we are at the cutting edge of style if we find new body parts to pierce and creative ways of displaying our nipples for the sake of fashion. In Africa, these things are the norm, and sometimes even have religious significance.
The Republic of Angola in South Africa was previously occupied by Portugal, which creates a culture blended of both African and Portuguese influences. I know you thought the headpieces at the royal wedding were crazy, but I personally think they have it all wrong. In Angola, when they aren’t donning gorgeous textiles as hats, they style their hair with mud and dye to make it into a separate form of art. Anyone in the mood for some colorful octopus dread-locks? I sure am. Come to think of it, I think I have seen similar hairstyles on homeless people in the East Village.
