“Whenever I wear my qipao, I feel like I am stepping into another life—one that is foreign to me but still relevant. The fabric and style represent a part of the country that is part of me and in which I can identify with but that is also somewhat of a stranger to me,” says Shay Haneline, a senior Ball State Chinese major.
With this photo essay, Ball Bearings captures individuals in traditional garments that are integral to their cultural identities.
“My heritage is a large part of who I am and has influenced me as I’ve developed. My kilt was bought by my mom in Scotland and is the graham tartan. I’m a part of that clan as well as the Maitland’s, and we use these colors to show our solidarity and bond as a family,” says Theodore Hoffman, a senior Ball State international business, Japanese, and Chinese major.“When I think of what it means to be a Scottish man and wear my kilt, I am filled with confidence and strength. I feel reassured that I can accomplish my goals, provide for my family, and be a dependable friend for everyone in my life,” says Theodore Hoffman, a senior Ball State international business, Japanese, and Chinese major.
“It has been an amazing journey learning about my past and heritage. I feel inspired to continue on this path that my ancestors took; to preserve and cherish what makes our culture special,” says Theodore Hoffman, a senior Ball State international business, Japanese, and Chinese major.“To me Japanese heritage is all about art in a ascetic-base culture that has really big roots within the religion of the culture and the people there,” says Ryne Stone, a junior Ball State fashion merchandising major.“I really like to represent that through kabuki or any type of art form. I believe a lot of Japanese art forms have inspired a lot of art today, so I like to be represented in society,” says Ryne Stone, a junior Ball State fashion merchandising major.“To me Japanese heritage is all about art in a ascetic-base culture that has really big roots within the religion of the culture and the people there,” says Ryne Stone, a junior Ball State fashion merchandising major.
“[Heritage] means the way I grew up and the way I perceive the world around me. It’s a big part of my everyday life. The beads that I used are called Subha they are kinda like an accessory that you can use while you are praying, they aren’t required but it something that helps people count how many prayers they made,” says Danah Alqunfuzi, a Saudi Arabian senior landscape architect major.“The hijab is something that I’ve had since I was sixth grade. It was something that I chose to do by myself, it’s something that is a part of me. Both the hijab and the Abaya—the whole idea is modesty. Keeping a woman modest and not showing off. Hair is a very important part of a woman’s appealing. When you put on the hijab, you cover the hair so [that] you not very attractive to people and you’re being modest with [that],” says Danah Alqunfuzi, a Saudi Arabian senior Ball State landscape architect major.
“The Dress is called Jalabiya something that during amazon or during special occasions. Depending on what you like to do or what your style of clothing is. I recently started Jalabiyas because I never grew up wearing them that much. Since I came to the U.S., suddenly I’m like, ‘Oh yeah those are awesome,’” says Danah Alqunfuzi, a Saudi Arabian senior Ball State landscape architect major.“I miss home a lot. Heritage also means family and just having connections from where you come from and your roots. I’m a people person so I mostly miss my friends, my family, and I miss the food. When I use to live back home; there are beaches there. I miss that too,”” says Deborah Ogo, a Nigerian Ball State University graduate student.“Oleku [is a traditional garment]. It’s basically like a free top or t-shirt with a wrap that goes around your waist. The wrap-around can be long or short… it’s made with different material like cotton or lace,” says Deborah Ogo, a Nigerian Ball State University graduate student.“My heritage is very important because I believe I am a traditional person, so I just have that connection to my heritage,” says Deborah Ogo, a Nigerian Ball State University graduate student.“My cultural heritage is important to me and being able to have a piece of it today is truly something amazing,” says Shay Haneline, a senior Ball State Chinese major.“Whenever I wear my qipao, I feel like I am stepping into another life—one that is foreign to me but still relevant. The fabric and style represent a part of the country that is part of me and in which I can identify with but that is also somewhat of a stranger to me,” says Shay Haneline, a senior Ball State Chinese major.
