Ethnicity

Written by Deyra A.

Community Question: Are you proud of your heritage? Why? (Please answer in the Google Form below)

In the early years of Wellesley college the school had very little diversity to showcase. The thought of a women's college must have been fairly controversial as well as having students of color at these same institutions. In the few images we have of students of color, we see glimpses of traditional dress as well as the globalization of western fashion.

International students were a major source of diversity when it came to demographics but also when it came to the style and clothing of students. In an image of foreign students, the two that are from European countries are dressed in typical dresses and cardigans of the time. The other student from India stands in the middle dressed in a sari. The sari is embellished with small designs and a patterned trim. She is adorned with a necklace and some bracelets.

In one archival image we see Japanese students dressed in traditional robes for a Japanese play titled Princess Radiant. The robes have designs of flowers and what one can assume are clouds. They also accessorized with different hats and fans. When it comes to their shoes, the image shows them wearing socks and nothing else. Although we see these girls dressed in their traditional robes many Asian countries had adopted the western style of dress for the time. These clothes, although beautiful, must not have been as functional to get around in. However this must have been a rare opportunity to dress in clothing they wouldn’t typically wear.

Community Question: What importance does clothes play in ethnic/cultural ties for you? (Please answer in the Google Form below)

It isn’t until the 1920’s that we begin to see more diversity at Wellesley being captured through images. When looking at the Legenda from 1914 we get insight to the lives of average students but the inclusion of international students is largely absent.

Community question:  Are there any cultural you'd like to (respectfully) learn about? (Please answer in the Google Form below)

This brooch was rescued from the ashes of College Hall.  It's made from bronze or brass and would have been worn on the  collar or waist. At first glance the brooch looks plain and not very interesting but when you take a closer look you see an engraved design. The design shows delicate leaves and flowers. Flowers are a commonly feminine motif so it makes sense that it would be designed on a brooch which is a commonly feminine accessory. The interesting thing about this design is that it can also be found in brooch across different cultures. Pictured here is a brooch from the Met in the shape of a flower. Through cultures the image of a flower still remains common in women's accessories.