Bernos
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Bernos (also transliterated barnos, burnos) is a cloak-like garment and hood woven in one piece, worn by Ethiopian highlanders. It is made of wool. Bernos seems to be an adaptation of the Arab version of Burnous; Levine notes that the wealthier men of Menz "wear the barnos, a tailored cape made of dark wool."[1]
The little hood thing on the shoulder was shaped in order to allow a rifle to be carried by the individual. Since it has no hole, it wouldn't let a rain water enter through the muzzle of the gun. Although members of elite groups don't carry gun all the time, nobody dared to change the style. It remained the same, even though gun was not carried.
Bernos was frequently worn by the Highlander elites, but an average citizen will sometimes wear it in traditional ceremonies and atspecial occasions. Social status was indicated by the decoration on his Bernos.
[edit] References
- ^ Donald N. Levine, Wax and Gold: Tradition and Innovation in Ethiopia Culture (Chicago: University Press, 1972), p. 29
[edit] External links
- http://bernos.org/blog/?p=50
- A burnos as worn
- Emperor Haile Selassie wearing a bernos in a formal picture
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