Virtual Museum of COLONIALISM

The peoples living on this island have, for centuries, possessed distinct cultural traditions and customs, with traditional clothing forming an inseparable part of their identity. However, after Mayotte was turned into a French colony, many cultural values—including national dress—were systematically weakened or marginalized. This process can clearly be interpreted as a consequence of France’s cultural assimilation policy.

Mayotte’s traditional clothing represents a cultural heritage that expresses the island’s social, religious, and aesthetic identity. Traditionally, women wore colorful, loose garments known as salouva, and covered their heads with batik-style fabrics. This style of dress carried not only aesthetic value but also deep religious and social significance. Men, in turn, wore loose trousers and long shirts, reflecting local customs and ways of life.

These garments were not limited to everyday use; they were an integral part of weddings, religious ceremonies, and public events. Through them, people expressed their identity and reinforced cultural continuity across generations.

Through education, media, and institutional influence, French culture was placed in a dominant position, and European-style clothing was promoted as a modern and desirable model for younger generations. At the same time, traditional attire began to be perceived as outdated or even shameful. As concepts of fashion changed, public interest in national dress gradually declined.

The erosion of traditional clothing in Mayotte is one of the concrete outcomes of the assimilation process inherent in France’s colonial policy. It resulted in the weakening of both material and spiritual values, distancing the island from its own cultural heritage. Nevertheless, contemporary cultural revival efforts and heritage preservation initiatives seek to reverse, at least partially, these losses. The restoration of traditional dress today represents not merely an aesthetic revival, but also a form of cultural resistance and the reaffirmation of national identity.