Afro-Surinamese Textile Heritage

The embodied koto and angisa

The kotomisi, with her folded headscarf and voluminous, often colorful skirt, is a recognizable image, even for those without a specific connection with Suriname. Around Keti Koti (July 1), Srefidensi (November 25), during other cultural gatherings and on birthdays, Afro-Surinamese women dress in a koto, a yaki, a short jacket, and an angisa, the starched headscarf. The release of an angisa has a long tradition within the Afro-Surinamese community that goes back to the end of the 19th century. The angisa is made from a printed piece of textile measuring originaly 90 by 90 cm. In addition to preserve and commemorate events depicted on the angisa, the angisa also often bears a given name (an odo) and some headpieces even have messages passed on through the folding methods.
 Tailors & Wearers is committed to education, participation and presentation of Afro-Surinamese traditional costume, or African Surinamese fashion and heritage. Acting as a platform, we contribute to preserving, developing and making knowledge and skills about this special material and intangible heritage accessible.