Intercultural

My name is Sheinina Lolita Raj, a person who was born from distinctively diverse ancestors, culturally, religiously, linguistically and physically. Racially speaking I am half Indian and half English. I do however consider myself North American. My family immigrated from the UK when I was 5 years old, hopeful I would live a life free of racial prejudices. Although the truth is you cannot run from racism. While I have grown to appreciate the tonality of my skin in this era of cultural assimilation my identity continues to be misunderstood. In honor of cultural diversity Intercultural shows how different yet the same we are. Wearing traditional regalia of Morocco, India, Native America, Hawaii and Saudi-Arabia the collection of self portraits unifies authentic heritage. Raising awareness to the many nationalities living in modern day society Intercultural enlightens ideologies while initiating a common respect to all humanity and ultimately a peaceful coexistence.

“Moroccan Woman” wears a crown like jewel with dangling coins perched above her forehead secured to a scarf concealing a bun of pinned hair. The long black linen dress conceals the body. The bright colored stitching that fans out over the breasts is believed to effectively ward off negative energy. As a show of love and wealth many necklaces trickle down the chest, each with an endearing reference. For example the Hand of Fatima with its two thumbs is accepted as a peaceful symbol when worn within cultures like, Jewish and Muslim who have a history of war torn relations.

“Indian woman” wears a classic red sari the color traditionally worn by a bride for her wedding day.

The fabric is woven silk and is approximately 20 feet long before a few feet are cut for a custom made blouse. The inherent influence from Persian artisans can be appreciated in the hand sown designs. It is believed that the influence of the Moghul empire that once ruled over India and the Muslim woman who were expected to veil is the reason for the extension of the sari.

Native American Woman: Federally recognized as America’s largest indigenous tribe they identify themselves as Navajo since being coined by Spanish settlers as people of planted fields.

It was the Spaniards who introduced the silversmith trade to an ironworker at the time to “Old Smith” whose legacy lives on with his great great granddaughter. As is customary she adorned me. The necklace made of turquoise pebbles embedded into layers of silver lead to a squash blossom pendant. The rug dress references a seasonal shift with its winter colors. The collective adornment prominently displays a statement of family wealth.

Hawaiian Woman: The Polynesian identity is translated by Geek scripture as, “many islands”. The kappa skirt is undyed and considered a sign of purity. It is made from beating the bark of the native Mele tree. Lei’s were originally made and place around the neck of Pele the fire goddess believed to have been the creator of the Hawaiian islands. The minimal covering that revealed the body during the authentic Hula dance was considered appalling to conservative Christian missionaries who settled in Hawaii during the 18th century. Christianized royalty eventually gave way to their pressure and band the dance and traditional wear. Hula did not resurface until some 50 years later when King Kalakua lifted the ban.

Saudi-Arabian Woman: When the monarch ruler Al Saud made a pact with devout Islamic clerics in 1932, Saudi-Arabia became the only Muslim majority country that legally imposed a dress code. The Hijab I am wearing is an Arabic word that means “to cover”. Wearing a Hijab is considered a show of modesty, privacy and morality. It is also considered means of protection for a woman whose feminine appeal could arouse a man and lead to an assault. If a woman does not wear the Hijab while in public she incurs humiliation, interrogation, stigmatization and sometimes lashings and imprisonment.