The Melhfa: Symbolic-cultural representations of the Saharawi women's clothing

Abstract

This article aims to explore some symbolic keys that hide behind the melhfa and that constitute fundamental axes of the Saharawi culture and worldview. The melhfa is a feminine garment, whose bearing has a series of political and religious connotations, but above all it is a symbol of identity of the struggle for the cause of Western Sahara. It has to do with the participation of women in the struggle and the contribution for the community to develop; as well as its own projection in forums, meetings and international celebrations in which they participate. Because the clothing of Saharawi women and the rest of the world, can become a model of analysis to deepen the cultural, religious and symbolic categories of their lives and their daily reality.