The Use and Importance of the Lamba Garment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamba_(garment)

Sarongs in the western culture are mainly worn by women as skirts. In the African culture, a similar cloth that resembles a sarong is not only worn as a skirt but has integrated itself as a nifty and highly valued article of cloth amongst both men and women. Lambas are colorfully weaved in Madagascar and highly used in Madagascar and throughout different regions of Africa as a daily article of clothing. Perhaps this is why individuals wrap their Lamba's around a deceased individual before placing them in a family tomb as a respect to the deceased soul. Typically, Lambas are worn over the left shoulder but may be worn over the right shoulder if an individuals is in mourning. It seems that the Lamba has proven to be such an important part of everyday life that it has become a part of a person's personality. Furthermore, there are multiple ways to wear a Lamba and multiple types of Lambas. For instance, the Lamba that is placed in a deceased person's tomb is called a Lambamena. As a fashion statement, an individual may choose to wear it around their hip, as a shawl over shorts, as a slash, or headdress. In the winter, it is worn over a long sleeve tunic called a malabary. In addition to it being a fashion statement and a cultural tradition, one may see a Lamba being worn on an individual's head as extra cushion when transporting goods. Mothers will also use a Lamba as a means of transportation for their child. A mother will tie a Lamba to her back where a child could comfortably and securely rest. Although it may seem like a simple cloth, Lambas have proven to be a big part of the culture in Madagascar.