Bunad and identity has been a topic of discussion for some time now. A few years ago it was the wearing of hijab with bunads, while this year gender-neutral bunads have been in focus. This will be the theme for a salon discussion at our anniversary seminar on Saturday 18 June.
The Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume and Valdres Folk Museum are proud to announce that Ahmed Umar's bunad will soon be on display in our exhibition space at Valdres Folk Museum. Ahmen Umar, who came to Norway from Sudan, decided to create his own distinctive costume that reflected his identity, drawing on costumes from Sudan and the Hallingdal bunad for his inspiration. The result is truly unique.
In a video, Camilla Rossing, Director of the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume, talks about the bunad and identity in general and Ahmed Umar talks about his costume. The film was made by Filmkonsulentene for the Norwegian Digital Learning Arena.
Rossing has also contributed with the article 'Headdress and hijab: Bunad in multicultural Norway' in the book entitled Dressing with Purpose. In addition, the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume has written an article about the bunad and hijab for the exhibition Fargerike felleskap - kvitt raseri [Colourful communities – white rage], which can be seen at Valdres Folk Museum.
Ahmed Umar's bunad can be viewed at Valdres Folk Museum during the museum's opening hours. From 22 June 2022, the costume will be displayed in the exhibition Fargerike felleskap - kvitt raseri [Colourful communities – white rage]. A leaflet with information about the costume in Ahmed Umar's own words is provided for visitors.
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Ahmed Umar's costume being prepared for display at the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume. Photo: Kristin Gulbrandsen.
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Mounted on the mannequin in the exhibition Fargerike fellesskap - kvitt raseri at Valdres Folk Museum. Photo: Solveig Strand.
