Dress

The kaba sloht in varying forms dates back to the late 19th century and has occupied a changing place in Krio culture--sometimes casual, sometimes dressy, and sometimes associated with the poor, sometimes having higher status. After independence and in the diaspora, it seems to be a defining identifier for Krio women. Composed of shaped sections of commercial cloth, fitted to the body with decorative detailing featuring a yoke, tucks and bias binding; the sleeve length and hemline vary over time. Blue and pink seem particularly popular colors.

Short sleeved cotton dress with yoke and pocket in coral colored fabric with a print of floral sprays with purple flowers and green leaves. The yoke is composed of white fabric with green lines.

Lucille Chaveas, collected in Freetown, Sierra Leone, 2003 to 2013

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