So what is wearable heritage?
I define wearable heritage as all those additions or elements in or in association with dress and costume that have specific meaning, or are expressions of tradition. Often they express social or even religious values and identities. This may incorporate status symbols like weaponry, (costume)jewelry or amulets worn on the body. But also objects belonging to a women or men’s personal sphere of physical or mental status, like for instance make-up containers. They are direct personal possessions that people find worth passing on to others. With this website I hope to create understanding for and appreciation of the different objects of wearable heritage in the West Asian and North African (WANA) region.
For more thoughts on the term 'wearable heritage' please check out our page Acknowledgements.