The pattern and sometimes the name of the angisa play a role in the ‘message’ they convey. Folding these headscarves is a special art. That knowledge is still passed on by word of mouth in numerous workshops and there are initiatives to document this knowledge.
A headscarf with a secret language
With these square starched headscarves women in Surinam could pass messages to each other, express their mood or even invite a lover. Are you wondering what they actually ‘say’? Then read on.
On this angisa folded in the Guyanese French ede style, you can see the coat of arms of Surinam - an oval shield with a sailing ship carried by two Surinamese men, and the motto, Justitia Pietas Fides (Justice, Piety and Fidelity).
This angisa is also folded according to the French way of folding (French ede). The pattern of the fabric means: san ati e tyari fesi ne sori, lobi na basi – what your heart bears, your face does not show, love goes before all.
