Headscarf

This headscarf, anjisa, was made on the occasion of the abolition of slavery. The edge of the cloth is decorated with chains. On one side the chains are broken and in between there is the text: Suriname July 1, 1863. This is the date of the abolition of slavery. On the other side of the cloth is the text "ketien-broko". This means "the chains are broken". The celebration on July 1 is called keti koti in the Surinamese language. This is a variation on "ketien broko". 'Keti(s)' stands for 'chains', 'broko' means 'broken' and 'koti' means 'broken' or 'cut'.‖ This day is still celebrated exuberantly in Suriname; it is the oldest national holiday. From 1863 it is called 'Emancipation Day'; after 1960 'Day of Freedoms'; after 1975 (Independence) 'Day of National Unity'.\nCreole women dress in their best kotomisi costume and wear the anjisa. The anjisa is also worn with a western dress. This cloth is stiffened so much that it can be put on and off like a hat. The starch is made from gomma (from the cassava root) and candle wax. \The binding methods have names, as do the patterns of the fabric. They have a symbolic meaning and commemorate political and social events. In addition, they say something about the state of mind of the wearer.