OPULENT BRIDES OF THE NIGER DELTA

Writer: Nnamani Chidinma Joy Fashion Enthusiast and Writer at Eucarl Wears eucarlwears.com | Reviewed by Tamunotonye Pamela

Mangrove Photography

Edove Media

Niger Delta traditional brides are famous for their elegant and flamboyant cultural gears, like most African culture rich regions. Tribal fashion for brides is an age old tradition, with each piece having symbolic meanings and intently designed to flaunt a bride's beauty.

The Niger Delta tribes/ethnic groups highlighted in this feature include the Ijaws found in most parts of Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta State, the Igbos occupying the northern region; the Ibibio resident on the Southside of Niger Delta; and the great inland people of Benin in Edo state.

Ethnic groups in Nigeria; specifically in the Niger Delta are very diverse but not without their common flare for 'wrapper' and fish. Traditional attires for brides are styled in different ways as prescribed by the customs of the land. A bride's traditional ensemble usually consists of blouse, dress or drapes round the chest. And of course, a long or short stylish wrapper for her bottom.

Amongst the most popular accessories for brides, you'll find decorated sticks, hand fans, walking sticks, cultural head pieces and coral beads adorned on neck, wrist, waist and/ ankles. Each article adorned on brides are specific to the tribe; representing the community, her family status or groom's eminence, etc.

Mangrove Photography

Cover Photo: Mangrove Photography

Traditional bridal attires are uniquely crafted, often styled by experienced traditional fashion designers, traditional custodians or enthusiasts for best outcome. Given the type of bourgeois styles amass typical Nigerian ceremonies, a bride's outfits must have the required extra details for her to standout.

We are shaped by our culture and trends influence our lifestyle, which then becomes our new way of life. That's how modern culture has inadvertently necessitated most traditional cultures to evolve overtime. In recent times, Niger Delta fashion has become the new cool and variations of the ceremonial costumery can be spotted in an affiliated traditional marriage grounds or high-profile occasions, birthday shoots and so on. African royalty is the term that perfectly describes this look on the red carpet, a regalia that instantly announces your affinity with the distinct tribe.

TADITIONAL ATTIRE

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