Saturday 20 September 2014

LA SAPE

 SAPE, the Congolese Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant Persons. Members of this society are called Sapeurs. Their origins began in Brazzaville, the Capital of The Republic of Congo, which has seen its fair share of war, poverty and violence. Sapeurs are men that are highly respected in the community. They wear clothes that embody their creativity and flair. 















(mixedmartialarts.com)

These men have normal jobs during the day, bricklayer, carpenter, anything. However, once they get home they take out their clothes, which they take huge pride in, and show off their outfits to each other. They also  have friendly dance competitions with rival Sapeur groups.
As well as having impressive clothes Sapeurs are polite, non-violent and are important in their community by being an inspiration to others through their attitude.
They also convene regularly and talk about "life,their family, and getting people back on track".

The Sapeurs find their style inspiration from 1920s formerly French Colonists but each adds their own unique twist to their outfits.
The Sapeurs are a group of men determined to rise above their circumstances and express who they really are.


This is  short documentary by Guinness on the Sape.

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