Cultural observation: patterns and practices

Cultural Observation

In any culture, the way someone dresses will have an impact in identifying who they are and the traditions which are embraced. The Indian civilization has their own form of dress that is holding onto various social customs in the form of the sari. To fully understand how this is impacting society requires carefully examining the cultural context of the dress ensemble, providing a description of it and discussing various influences (such as: somatotypes). Together, these elements will highlight the impact of these styles on different segments of society. (Katiyar, 2009)

Briefly describe the cultural context of the dress practice or ensemble.

The Indian sari is a strip of indistinct cloth which is worn by women. It is from four to nine yards in length and is draped over the body in various styles. The outfit is worn based upon historical traditions which are dating back to the ancient civilization of Indus Valley from 2800 to 1800 BC. This is when high priests and other religious figures wore their outfits as way of signifying their importance in society. (Katiyar, 2009) (Eicher, 2008)

At the same time, anyone was wearing this form of dress was able to become closer to ancient Hindu and Buddhist gods. This helped the individual to have a sense of creativity and vitality. Over the centuries, different kinds of styles emerged as to how women should wear the sari and the importance of it. This has resulted in various cultural fashion statements based upon regional factors and what trends are most popular inside specific regions. (Katiyar, 2009) (Eicher, 2008)

These elements are showing how sari came from deep cultural traditions. That helps individuals to embrace their historical, social and religious traditions. In many ways, this is allowing the person to connect with the different aspects and basic customs of Indian society. (Katiyar, 2009) (Eicher, 2008)

Describe the dress practice or ensemble using the terminology of the classification system, including properties discussed in class

The kind of dress is often focused on the ideas of confirmation and the outline of body supplements. The way that confirmation is emphasized, is based upon how it is worn and the different parts of the body that are exposed. For instance, the gond is draped over the left shoulder and is used to cover the rest of the body (with the exception of the right shoulder). While many tribal styles, are based upon covering up the breasts and entire parts of the body. The different ways that the sari is worn, is showing how confirmation is taking place through the different illusions that are utilized. This is designed to highlight the various features of the individual. (Katiyar, 2009) ("The Classification System of Dress," 2013) (Eicher, 2008)

The outline of supplements is taking place through different kinds of body enclosures and the way they are attached. For example, anyone who is wearing a sari will have it wrapped around their waste. However, this not always something that everyone is doing. Instead, there will be times when the person is wearing the waist more loosely or there will be nothing wrapped around it at all. This is illustrating how body enclosures are different based upon cultural / individual tastes, style and regional factors. (Katiyar, 2009) ("The Classification System of Dress," 2013) (Eicher, 2008)

Describe how the form or style of the dress practice or ensemble relates to the body underneath. Consider why the body has the shape it does; identify climactic, hereditary or nutritional forces at work. Are there special physical needs or considerations? Is the body a canvas or an armature for dress?

In general, the sari is designed to accentuate certain body types. The most notable include: ectomorphs, endomorphs and a combination. An ectomorph is someone who is thinner and has an athletic style of appearance. In this case, the sari is worn to illustrate the shoulder or possibly the mid section. This is used to identify climatic, hereditary and nutritional forces through demonstrating how this person is subject to more physical activities. They live in warmer and more tropical climate (such as: the South or Western parts of India). At the same time, they are receiving the right amounts of nutrition. This is taking into account these special needs and making the body into a canvas for the dress. (Katiyar, 2009) ("The Three Somatotypes," 2013) (Eicher, 2008)

An endomorph is when someone is naturally bigger and they will have a much larger body type. This does not necessarily mean that they are overweight. Instead, it is highlighting how they will have larger amounts of fat and muscle. When someone is wearing a sari, it is used to show that they are from a family with a hereditary history of being heavier, from more arid climates and having access to better forms of nutrition. In this case, the special needs and considerations are from having the clothing fit more loosely. This is designed to make the body an armature for the dress. (Katiyar, 2009) ("The Three Somatotypes," 2013) (Eicher, 2008)