Today I am a Woman

During our last weekend at the Mabona's home it was requested that we dress in the traditional clothing of the Ndebeles. Our neighbor and fellow Peace Corps Trainee was also involved as was a back drop and artificial lighting. You heard me. Artificial lighting was brought in for the photo shot! The rings around our legs are very heavy and make it hard to move (and dance) and they actually hurt! These are the outfits girls where on their 14th birthdays. They, along with their friends, dance and the girl of honor is given gifts. The main difference - they do it bare chested. Luckily my outfit included a tank top.