PrintTraditional African Sudanese Beading Costumes
The Maroondah Southern Sudanese Christian Welfare Association received funding to purchase materials to make traditional Sudanese costumes as well as an African drum. The dance costumes represent the development of young people to adulthood and are a significant part of the Sudanese culture. The colours within the corsets signify the stages of moving from adolescence to adult where the young person gains a sense of responsibility. When they reach the final stage, they are able to marry and, through their costumes, the community can see that they have obtained the level of responsibility needed to be able to care for their own family.
These photos were taken during a traditional Southern Sudanese Dinka dance performance held at Greenwood Park on Monday 9th March 2009. The new costumes were worn and provided an opportunity for young people from Southern Sudanese backgrounds to promote their culture within the wider community and contribute to multiculturalism in the local area.
For further information about this project and the Maroondah Southern Sudanese Christian Welfare Association, please contact David Gai Manyok on 0408 953 015.
