Head wraps have long been more than mere accessories; they’ve carried a history of resilience. Worn proudly, even during times when laws forced them to hide natural hairstyles, head wraps have always represented style, personality, and strength. With the Pangi, you’re wrapped not just in beauty but in the spirit of fearlessness and pride.
Pangis are handmade garments crafted by Maroon women in Suriname, often worn wrapped around the hips and decorated with symbols unique to their history. The Maroon people are a testament to resilience, having survived the Middle Passage and brutal plantation life, then conquering the rainforest to establish thriving communities that ultimately triumphed against the colonial forces of their time.
Dating back to the 1800s, Pangis emerged as Maroons, now living freely in the rainforest, designed these garments to embody their values, culture, and traditions. In Maroon culture, the Tai Pangi ceremony celebrates a girl’s coming of age, similar to Sweet Sixteen or Quinceañera. During this rite of passage, a girl is dressed in Pangis by her family, symbolizing her new status as a woman in the community, surrounded by dancing, singing, and blessings.
These Pangis are not only ceremonial but also tell the stories of Maroon villages and significant events. For instance, a Pangi was created in honor of Barack Obama’s presidency, blending tradition with modern inspiration. Today, Pangis are sold in cities and worn by diverse communities in Suriname, especially on national holidays like Maroon Day and Independence Day, celebrating freedom and resilience.
Not only are the Pangis now available at here at WhatNaturalsLove.com, but we will also do a demonstration on November 22nd at my exhibition at the Billie Holiday Theatre. So, order your Pangi now and register to attend the Hair, Health, and Maroon Wraps demonstration.