Complete Set - RPCVs of Madison
we all dress
© 1999 Brett Hurd
Bulgaria
Monk at Monastery
Over 70 monasteries adorn Bulgaria’s forest-covered mountains. I frequently took weekend sabbaticals, journal in hand, to explore these spiritual gems. Getting there was half the adventure. My train pulled into the medieval capital, Veliko Turnovo, in northern Bulgaria – a region with nearly 20 monasteries built by kings, each providing cultural and spiritual refuge. I headed to Preobrazhenski monastery, a holy place that barely survived a 1913 earthquake. As bands of mist floated between mossy boulders, I zigzagged along a path through tall linden trees. Entering a clearing I caught sight of the monastery tucked beneath a cliff. Sunshine filtered through a canopy of grape vines into the courtyard where I was greeted by a gentle monk named Iriney. He asked where I had left my horse and buggy and I smiled and told him I came by foot. We sat near the richly colored frescos of the central church. Iriney came when he was seven and for 60 years has rarely been away. He told me the story of the massive white rocks resting oddly near the bell tower and church. In 1991, a gigantic boulder fell from the cliff above and broke into smaller pieces before crushing a few monastic cells. One large chunk split in two and the pieces miraculously ended up on either side of the central church. Fortunately, no one was hurt. “God’s will,” he said, looking skyward. I savored Iriney’s company and reflected on how life here has remained unchanged, in spite of the political system in the capital. As this peaceful Balkan country continues to shake off nearly 50 years of totalitarian rule, its monasteries remain eternal. -- Brett Hurd, Peace Corps/Bulgaria, 1996-99 Bulgaria (Republic of Bulgaria) Capital Sofia Population 7,204,687 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 73.09 years Literacy 98.2% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Bulgarian 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other 1.8% Religions Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other Government parliamentary democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1987 Charles Eilers
China
Tibetan Woman
“Tashi delay, Tashi delay.” A young Tibetan woman calls greetings from her jewelry stall to potential customers on the Barkhor – the stone paved lane, both a market and a pilgrim path, that encircles the great 7th century Buddhist temple called the Jokhang. It is one of the few temples to survive destruction during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. It houses sacred images of the Buddha that attract worshippers from all parts of the Tibetan plateau. While spinning prayer wheels and reciting the mantra, “Om Mani padme hum,” pilgrims walk clockwise around the Jokhang many times in order to gain merit. The young jewelry vendor hopes to gain customers from the steady passing parade of pilgrims walking around the temple. Her own traditional ornaments of turquoise, coral, silver, and gold, similar to those that adorn the gilded images inside the Jokhang, provide a perfect display of her treasures. For Tibetan women, jewelry is their portable wealth. In recent years, the face of Lhasa has changed with the influx of Han Chinese immigrants. Traditional Lhasa has been surrounded by a sprawl of urban shops. Yet the Tibetans, like the young turquoise trader, still hold to their centuries-old culture. It takes only a few circuits of the Barkhor with the shoppers and pilgrims to feel and share their hopes for a free Tibet. --Charles Eilers, Peace Corps/Nigeria, 1966-67; Peace Corps/Ethiopia 1967-69 China (People’s Republic of China) Capital Beijing Population 1,338,612,968 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 73.47 years Literacy 90.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Fuzhou, others Religions (officially atheist), Taoist, Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2% Government Communist State Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1988 Shirley Halladay
Ecuador
Preschoolers
These Quechua speaking children are on their way to attend “Huahua Huasi”, a program similar to our Head Start. Trained and supported by the Ministry of Health, the teacher, a local bilingual woman, promotes basic health practices, distributes items such as toothbrushes, and develops introductory Spanish skills. She wears a skirt and shawl similar to her female students’ and a fedora like the boys’. Introduced from Europe, fedoras are ubiquitous among rural Andean mestizo and indigenous peoples. The traditional shawl, skirt and white hat with embroidered black ribbon are, specific to the indigenas of this area. The ribbon can indicate marital status; more elaborate ribbons are worn on special occasions. Dark ponchos are woven by older men and women crochet the hats and sweaters. Shoes and boots are items now purchased at local markets with cash earned by young men working in distant cities. The community co-op’s priorities include purchasing additional agricultural land and maintaining a village museum that ensures these children remain proud of their past while being prepared for their future. --Shirley Halladay, Peace Corps/Malaysia, 1978-80; Peace Corps/Ecuador, 1987-89 Ecuador (Republic of Ecuador) Capital Quito Population 14,573,101 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 75.3 years Literacy 91% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua) Religions Roman Catholic 95%, other 5% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1991 Scott Faiia
Ethiopia
Oromo Woman
The Oromo are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, scattered throughout the country. They speak a Cushitic language. Many Oromo retain ancient religious practices while some have converted to Islam or Christianity. Their lifestyles range from sedentary farming in cool lush highlands to nomadic wandering in hot arid lowlands. According to their means they will share with you a gourd of fresh camel’s milk, or injera bread made from teff, an African grain. They know how to survive. In the eighties I spent five years directing large-scale famine relief and refugee programs in Ethiopia. Traveling the dusty roads which span this country’s vast expanses provided time for contemplation and inner change. I could not avoid facing the suffering caused by famine and civil strife. A counterbalance was provided by the people. I was often strengthened by chance encounters in the middle of nowhere. Here was dignity, warmth, openness and beauty. To be so privileged is difficult to comprehend. -- Scott Faiia, Peace Corps/Malaysia, 1973-75
Ethiopia (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) Capital Addis Ababa Population 85,237,338 Life Expectancy 55.41 years Literacy 42.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Amarigna 32.7%, Oromigna 31.6%, Tigrigna 6.1%, Somaligna 6%, others Religions Christian 60.8%, Muslim 32.8%, traditional 4.6%, other 1.8% Government federal republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 2007 Vanessa de Bruyn
Jordan
Middle-school Girls
This photo was taken at a summer camp session for middle-school girls. The girls participated in activities that focused on the English language and arts and crafts. These girls cover their heads with a “hijab” as a way of showing modesty in Islam. Not all girls in Jordan are Muslim, and not all Muslims wear the hijab. It is a cultural as well as religious way of dress. Most but not all girls begin wearing the hijab by the 4th grade. It is seen as a right-of-passage of sorts as a girl gets older. Wearing the hijab is also more prevalent in villages than in cities. Girls wear the hijab for many reasons other than religious. It is not only easier than fixing your hair everyday, but is also cheaper – there is no need to spend a lot of money getting your hair done. --Vanessa de Bruyn Jordan (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) Capital Amman Population 6,342,948 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 78.87 years Literacy 89.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Arabic (official), English widely understood (upper and middle classes) Religions Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6%, other Government constitutional monarchy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1995 Scott Faiia
Nepal
Boys Participate in Buddhist Ceremony
The Newars of the Kathmandu Valley have contributed to the artistic and cultural traditions of Nepal out of all proportion to their numbers. Six of the Valley’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are enduring symbols of those contributions and traditions. Despite encroaching modernization and urbanization they vibrate with life. Early morning excursions to Patan’s Durbar Square are an ideal way to discover this life. Even after more than a hundred visits I find something new and exciting each time. Newari religions range from esoteric Tantric-Buddhism to strict Orthodox Hinduism with every shade in between. Patan, with hundreds of religious shrines, is predominately Buddhist. Chudakarma is a religious duty required of the Sakaya and Bajracharya Newars. It is usually performed during the period from November to May, at a time determined astrologically. Over a four-day period, boys who are 3,5,7,9, or 11 years old, fast, shave their heads, wear yellow robes and walk through the streets in procession. The exact procedures vary according to the child’s family monastery. Each child undergoes the ceremony only once and thereby gains recognition as a true Sakya or Bajracharya. The Buddha, Siddhartha Gaulama Sakyamuni, was a Sakya. Patan’s Newar have kept something important alive. I bow to them respectfully. -Scott Faiia, Peace Corps/Malaysia, 1973-75
Nepal (Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal) Capital Kathmandu Population 28,563,377 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 65.46 years Literacy 48.6% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5% Religions Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6% Government federal democratic republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1998 Chris Jameson
Niger
Dressed to Compete in Camel Race
The Waadabe are a group of people within the Fuiani of Niger. Usually nomadic, they come together at certain times throughout the year for special events. The gatherings allow them to visit with friends and family that they may not have seen since the previous year, to announce recent births and marriages, sing, dance and participate in competitions and ceremonies. One of the most important of these special occasions is the Geerewol, the “dance of beauty,” which occurs after the rainy season. Young men dress up in their finest garments and adorn themselves with makeup to enhance their beauty. They sing and dance, competing for the honor of being named the most beautiful, and thereby gain the attention of the young women. Other events also occur during the Geerewol. There are other dancing and singing contests for the men and women. There is also a competition to judge which suudu (family shelter) has the best display of family possessions. One of the most exciting events is camel racing. Here the contestants race their camels at breakneck speeds in an effort to show off their mounts, with the camel that looks and performs the best being awarded first place. The men in the photo are dressed to compete in the camel races. (The outfits worn for the dancing are much different.) Also shown are the richly embroidered camel blankets that cushion the saddles and add to the beauty of the camels. -- Chris Jameson, Peace Corps/Niger, 1993-97 Niger (Republic of Niger) Capital Niamey Population 15,306,252 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 52.6 years Literacy 28.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages French (official), Hausa, Djerma Religions Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian) 20% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1987 Harlen Persinger
Paraguay
Cowboy
Weary after a long day of working cattle, this Paraguayan cowboy knows it’s time to rest. Once settled in the shade, he will sip cold herbal tea, mate, the national drink, through a metal straw and from a cup carved from a cow horn. Paraguay is one of the only Latin American countries where almost everyone still speaks the language of the ancestors. Most Paraguayans live by simple standards. Nonetheless, I found them to be exceptionally generous. They would insist on sharing the little they had. The culture is rich with customs and beliefs that are held very dear to this day. One of the most deeply rooted legends is that of the Pombero, a small creature who appears at dusk, is sometimes invisible, and can be won over by a gift of tobacco leaves. -- Harlen Persinger
Paraguay (Republic of Paraguay) Capital Asuncion Population 6,995,655 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 75.77 years Literacy 94% (age 15 and over and read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Guarani (official) Religions Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other or unspecified 3% Government constitutional republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1998 Ralph Blessing
Peru
Andean Mother and Child on Market Day
For centuries, campesinos in the Urubamba Valley of Peru have traded their wares at the weekly market in the Andean Village of Pisac, 20 miles from the former Inca capital of Cusco. Surrounded by lofty peaks that descend to lush agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca (or their ancestors), Pisac maintains many of the traditions of its pre-Columbian past. Its bustling Sunday market, like so many in Latin America, is actually two markets; the traditional agricultural fair with its Quechua–laced bartering, side-by-side with stalls of weaving, pottery and other handicrafts aimed at the busloads of tourists that arrive each week. Campesino women and their daughters wear layered clothing, complete with lavishly colored serapes of local origin, to protect against the chill of Pisac’s 9,000-feet elevation. Much of Peru’s indigenous population lives in similar Andean communities which have been bypassed by the country’s vibrant economy. As a result some are beginning to flex their political muscle, voicing their dissatisfaction with the direction of the country and demanding a bigger slice of the pie. -- Ralph Blessing, Peace Corps/Panama, 1969-70; Peace Corps/Ecuador, 1974-78 Peru (Republic of Peru) Capital Lima Population 29,546,964 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 70.74 years Literacy 87.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, others Religions Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 2.1%, unspecified or none 16.3% Government constitutional republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1994 Renee Moog (Global Village Photography)
Senegal
Holding a Milk Bowl
This carved wooden bowl is a remnant of longstanding traditions among the Pulaar ethnic group. In this herding culture, the young boys milk the cows, bringing home frothy, lukewarm milk in bowls like the one cradled here by 7-year old Asata Ly. These milking bowls, lahals, are made only by certain families, those born into the Laube caste of woodworkers. Besides fabricating lahals, they carve items such as stools and handles for agricultural implements. Oloudou is a small Pulaar village of just over 100 people in the northeast corner of Senegal. Here the Laubes’ craft and lineage intertwine to prolong the tradition of lahals despite the pervasive availability of imported Chinese plastic bowls and buckets. Asata’s grandfather, the Village Chief, has seen his oldest son (Asata’s father) leave to work in Paris, has welcomed a Peace Corps Volunteer to work in the village, and has witnessed the construction of a two story building in his previously all-hut compound. As the years pass, he will undoubtedly witness a change in the lahal’s cultural presence. --Renee Moog, Peace Corps/Senegal, 1987-89 Senegal (Republic of Senegal) Capital Dakar Population 13,711,597 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 59 years Literacy 39.3% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka Religions Muslim 94%, Christian 5%, indigenous beliefs 1% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
© 1999 Brett Hurd
Bulgaria
Monk at Monastery
Over 70 monasteries adorn Bulgaria’s forest-covered mountains. I frequently took weekend sabbaticals, journal in hand, to explore these spiritual gems. Getting there was half the adventure. My train pulled into the medieval capital, Veliko Turnovo, in northern Bulgaria – a region with nearly 20 monasteries built by kings, each providing cultural and spiritual refuge. I headed to Preobrazhenski monastery, a holy place that barely survived a 1913 earthquake. As bands of mist floated between mossy boulders, I zigzagged along a path through tall linden trees. Entering a clearing I caught sight of the monastery tucked beneath a cliff. Sunshine filtered through a canopy of grape vines into the courtyard where I was greeted by a gentle monk named Iriney. He asked where I had left my horse and buggy and I smiled and told him I came by foot. We sat near the richly colored frescos of the central church. Iriney came when he was seven and for 60 years has rarely been away. He told me the story of the massive white rocks resting oddly near the bell tower and church. In 1991, a gigantic boulder fell from the cliff above and broke into smaller pieces before crushing a few monastic cells. One large chunk split in two and the pieces miraculously ended up on either side of the central church. Fortunately, no one was hurt. “God’s will,” he said, looking skyward. I savored Iriney’s company and reflected on how life here has remained unchanged, in spite of the political system in the capital. As this peaceful Balkan country continues to shake off nearly 50 years of totalitarian rule, its monasteries remain eternal. -- Brett Hurd, Peace Corps/Bulgaria, 1996-99 Bulgaria (Republic of Bulgaria) Capital Sofia Population 7,204,687 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 73.09 years Literacy 98.2% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Bulgarian 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other 1.8% Religions Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other Government parliamentary democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1987 Charles Eilers
China
Tibetan Woman
“Tashi delay, Tashi delay.” A young Tibetan woman calls greetings from her jewelry stall to potential customers on the Barkhor – the stone paved lane, both a market and a pilgrim path, that encircles the great 7th century Buddhist temple called the Jokhang. It is one of the few temples to survive destruction during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. It houses sacred images of the Buddha that attract worshippers from all parts of the Tibetan plateau. While spinning prayer wheels and reciting the mantra, “Om Mani padme hum,” pilgrims walk clockwise around the Jokhang many times in order to gain merit. The young jewelry vendor hopes to gain customers from the steady passing parade of pilgrims walking around the temple. Her own traditional ornaments of turquoise, coral, silver, and gold, similar to those that adorn the gilded images inside the Jokhang, provide a perfect display of her treasures. For Tibetan women, jewelry is their portable wealth. In recent years, the face of Lhasa has changed with the influx of Han Chinese immigrants. Traditional Lhasa has been surrounded by a sprawl of urban shops. Yet the Tibetans, like the young turquoise trader, still hold to their centuries-old culture. It takes only a few circuits of the Barkhor with the shoppers and pilgrims to feel and share their hopes for a free Tibet. --Charles Eilers, Peace Corps/Nigeria, 1966-67; Peace Corps/Ethiopia 1967-69 China (People’s Republic of China) Capital Beijing Population 1,338,612,968 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 73.47 years Literacy 90.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Fuzhou, others Religions (officially atheist), Taoist, Buddhist, Christian 3%-4%, Muslim 1%-2% Government Communist State Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1988 Shirley Halladay
Ecuador
Preschoolers
These Quechua speaking children are on their way to attend “Huahua Huasi”, a program similar to our Head Start. Trained and supported by the Ministry of Health, the teacher, a local bilingual woman, promotes basic health practices, distributes items such as toothbrushes, and develops introductory Spanish skills. She wears a skirt and shawl similar to her female students’ and a fedora like the boys’. Introduced from Europe, fedoras are ubiquitous among rural Andean mestizo and indigenous peoples. The traditional shawl, skirt and white hat with embroidered black ribbon are, specific to the indigenas of this area. The ribbon can indicate marital status; more elaborate ribbons are worn on special occasions. Dark ponchos are woven by older men and women crochet the hats and sweaters. Shoes and boots are items now purchased at local markets with cash earned by young men working in distant cities. The community co-op’s priorities include purchasing additional agricultural land and maintaining a village museum that ensures these children remain proud of their past while being prepared for their future. --Shirley Halladay, Peace Corps/Malaysia, 1978-80; Peace Corps/Ecuador, 1987-89 Ecuador (Republic of Ecuador) Capital Quito Population 14,573,101 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 75.3 years Literacy 91% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua) Religions Roman Catholic 95%, other 5% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1991 Scott Faiia
Ethiopia
Oromo Woman
The Oromo are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, scattered throughout the country. They speak a Cushitic language. Many Oromo retain ancient religious practices while some have converted to Islam or Christianity. Their lifestyles range from sedentary farming in cool lush highlands to nomadic wandering in hot arid lowlands. According to their means they will share with you a gourd of fresh camel’s milk, or injera bread made from teff, an African grain. They know how to survive. In the eighties I spent five years directing large-scale famine relief and refugee programs in Ethiopia. Traveling the dusty roads which span this country’s vast expanses provided time for contemplation and inner change. I could not avoid facing the suffering caused by famine and civil strife. A counterbalance was provided by the people. I was often strengthened by chance encounters in the middle of nowhere. Here was dignity, warmth, openness and beauty. To be so privileged is difficult to comprehend. -- Scott Faiia, Peace Corps/Malaysia, 1973-75
Ethiopia (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) Capital Addis Ababa Population 85,237,338 Life Expectancy 55.41 years Literacy 42.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Amarigna 32.7%, Oromigna 31.6%, Tigrigna 6.1%, Somaligna 6%, others Religions Christian 60.8%, Muslim 32.8%, traditional 4.6%, other 1.8% Government federal republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 2007 Vanessa de Bruyn
Jordan
Middle-school Girls
This photo was taken at a summer camp session for middle-school girls. The girls participated in activities that focused on the English language and arts and crafts. These girls cover their heads with a “hijab” as a way of showing modesty in Islam. Not all girls in Jordan are Muslim, and not all Muslims wear the hijab. It is a cultural as well as religious way of dress. Most but not all girls begin wearing the hijab by the 4th grade. It is seen as a right-of-passage of sorts as a girl gets older. Wearing the hijab is also more prevalent in villages than in cities. Girls wear the hijab for many reasons other than religious. It is not only easier than fixing your hair everyday, but is also cheaper – there is no need to spend a lot of money getting your hair done. --Vanessa de Bruyn Jordan (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) Capital Amman Population 6,342,948 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 78.87 years Literacy 89.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Arabic (official), English widely understood (upper and middle classes) Religions Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6%, other Government constitutional monarchy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1995 Scott Faiia
Nepal
Boys Participate in Buddhist Ceremony
The Newars of the Kathmandu Valley have contributed to the artistic and cultural traditions of Nepal out of all proportion to their numbers. Six of the Valley’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are enduring symbols of those contributions and traditions. Despite encroaching modernization and urbanization they vibrate with life. Early morning excursions to Patan’s Durbar Square are an ideal way to discover this life. Even after more than a hundred visits I find something new and exciting each time. Newari religions range from esoteric Tantric-Buddhism to strict Orthodox Hinduism with every shade in between. Patan, with hundreds of religious shrines, is predominately Buddhist. Chudakarma is a religious duty required of the Sakaya and Bajracharya Newars. It is usually performed during the period from November to May, at a time determined astrologically. Over a four-day period, boys who are 3,5,7,9, or 11 years old, fast, shave their heads, wear yellow robes and walk through the streets in procession. The exact procedures vary according to the child’s family monastery. Each child undergoes the ceremony only once and thereby gains recognition as a true Sakya or Bajracharya. The Buddha, Siddhartha Gaulama Sakyamuni, was a Sakya. Patan’s Newar have kept something important alive. I bow to them respectfully. -Scott Faiia, Peace Corps/Malaysia, 1973-75
Nepal (Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal) Capital Kathmandu Population 28,563,377 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 65.46 years Literacy 48.6% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5% Religions Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6% Government federal democratic republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1998 Chris Jameson
Niger
Dressed to Compete in Camel Race
The Waadabe are a group of people within the Fuiani of Niger. Usually nomadic, they come together at certain times throughout the year for special events. The gatherings allow them to visit with friends and family that they may not have seen since the previous year, to announce recent births and marriages, sing, dance and participate in competitions and ceremonies. One of the most important of these special occasions is the Geerewol, the “dance of beauty,” which occurs after the rainy season. Young men dress up in their finest garments and adorn themselves with makeup to enhance their beauty. They sing and dance, competing for the honor of being named the most beautiful, and thereby gain the attention of the young women. Other events also occur during the Geerewol. There are other dancing and singing contests for the men and women. There is also a competition to judge which suudu (family shelter) has the best display of family possessions. One of the most exciting events is camel racing. Here the contestants race their camels at breakneck speeds in an effort to show off their mounts, with the camel that looks and performs the best being awarded first place. The men in the photo are dressed to compete in the camel races. (The outfits worn for the dancing are much different.) Also shown are the richly embroidered camel blankets that cushion the saddles and add to the beauty of the camels. -- Chris Jameson, Peace Corps/Niger, 1993-97 Niger (Republic of Niger) Capital Niamey Population 15,306,252 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 52.6 years Literacy 28.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages French (official), Hausa, Djerma Religions Muslim 80%, other (includes indigenous beliefs and Christian) 20% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1987 Harlen Persinger
Paraguay
Cowboy
Weary after a long day of working cattle, this Paraguayan cowboy knows it’s time to rest. Once settled in the shade, he will sip cold herbal tea, mate, the national drink, through a metal straw and from a cup carved from a cow horn. Paraguay is one of the only Latin American countries where almost everyone still speaks the language of the ancestors. Most Paraguayans live by simple standards. Nonetheless, I found them to be exceptionally generous. They would insist on sharing the little they had. The culture is rich with customs and beliefs that are held very dear to this day. One of the most deeply rooted legends is that of the Pombero, a small creature who appears at dusk, is sometimes invisible, and can be won over by a gift of tobacco leaves. -- Harlen Persinger
Paraguay (Republic of Paraguay) Capital Asuncion Population 6,995,655 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 75.77 years Literacy 94% (age 15 and over and read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Guarani (official) Religions Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other or unspecified 3% Government constitutional republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1998 Ralph Blessing
Peru
Andean Mother and Child on Market Day
For centuries, campesinos in the Urubamba Valley of Peru have traded their wares at the weekly market in the Andean Village of Pisac, 20 miles from the former Inca capital of Cusco. Surrounded by lofty peaks that descend to lush agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca (or their ancestors), Pisac maintains many of the traditions of its pre-Columbian past. Its bustling Sunday market, like so many in Latin America, is actually two markets; the traditional agricultural fair with its Quechua–laced bartering, side-by-side with stalls of weaving, pottery and other handicrafts aimed at the busloads of tourists that arrive each week. Campesino women and their daughters wear layered clothing, complete with lavishly colored serapes of local origin, to protect against the chill of Pisac’s 9,000-feet elevation. Much of Peru’s indigenous population lives in similar Andean communities which have been bypassed by the country’s vibrant economy. As a result some are beginning to flex their political muscle, voicing their dissatisfaction with the direction of the country and demanding a bigger slice of the pie. -- Ralph Blessing, Peace Corps/Panama, 1969-70; Peace Corps/Ecuador, 1974-78 Peru (Republic of Peru) Capital Lima Population 29,546,964 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 70.74 years Literacy 87.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, others Religions Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 2.1%, unspecified or none 16.3% Government constitutional republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all dress
© 1994 Renee Moog (Global Village Photography)
Senegal
Holding a Milk Bowl
This carved wooden bowl is a remnant of longstanding traditions among the Pulaar ethnic group. In this herding culture, the young boys milk the cows, bringing home frothy, lukewarm milk in bowls like the one cradled here by 7-year old Asata Ly. These milking bowls, lahals, are made only by certain families, those born into the Laube caste of woodworkers. Besides fabricating lahals, they carve items such as stools and handles for agricultural implements. Oloudou is a small Pulaar village of just over 100 people in the northeast corner of Senegal. Here the Laubes’ craft and lineage intertwine to prolong the tradition of lahals despite the pervasive availability of imported Chinese plastic bowls and buckets. Asata’s grandfather, the Village Chief, has seen his oldest son (Asata’s father) leave to work in Paris, has welcomed a Peace Corps Volunteer to work in the village, and has witnessed the construction of a two story building in his previously all-hut compound. As the years pass, he will undoubtedly witness a change in the lahal’s cultural presence. --Renee Moog, Peace Corps/Senegal, 1987-89 Senegal (Republic of Senegal) Capital Dakar Population 13,711,597 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 59 years Literacy 39.3% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka Religions Muslim 94%, Christian 5%, indigenous beliefs 1% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all dress International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
