PARENT SESSION

Room 524-B

Cultural Wednesday, July 13, 2005 Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM

Burquas to Bikinis: Sensuality, Power & Adornment in Afghanistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Kaye, Leslie Ann^*,1, ¹ Museum of Passion, Detroit, MI, USA

ABSTRACT- Burquas to Bikinis: Sensuality, Power, & Adornment in Afghanistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates Introduction: This oral presentation will discuss sexuality and politics as expressed in the colors, fabrics, textures, and design of womenŒs clothing in Afghanistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates, from a Western woman psychologist/consultantŒs perspective. The objective will be to literally show the costumes themselves and tell of the diverse expressions of and reactions to sexuality, power, clothing, and cultural difference as seen in these countries. Main Body: While consulting in February 2004 to the United Nations in Kabul, Afghanistan, the speaker was struck by the fact that though culturally only about 1% of the women ordinarily wear Burquas, nearly 98% currently do. Many propose this is because of womenŒs fear of retribution for modern dress, should the Taliban come back into power. The women of Afghanistan still expressed their individuality by their brightly colored skirts and expressive hands. The all covering Burqua was in contrast to the fluid sensuality of the Indian women in their Saris and Punjabi Suits seen during the speakerŒs organizational consulting there, and the high heels, sparkling jewelry and dramatic make up under the United Arab Emirates womenŒs Habibs and Scarves, or the foreignersf bikinis on the beaches in Dubai, seen while the speaker waited ten days for her UN flight. And yet as different as these costumes and women were from herself and her own clothing, all modes of dress impressed upon the speaker the unique underlying beauty, power, and message conveyed by adornment. Conclusions: Sexuality, desire, violence, and commerce interact in fascinating ways both here and abroad. Self _expression and sensual beauty spring up even under the threat of violence and disenfranchisement. The power of beauty, the allure of adornment, and the cost of womenŒs sensuality teeters in an uneasy balance world-wide. We are wise to remain aware of this.

Key words: Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, India, Clothing, Power