The Saartjie Baartman’s Body Shape versus the Victorian Dress: The Untold African Treasures

  • Thread starter physicssx
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Body Shape
One of my favorite wedding dresses is based on the 17th and 18th century style. The dress has a pannier, the skirt is a little longer in the back than in the front, the sleeves are long with a slight puff, and the bodice is tight fitting. The pictures I have seen of the wedding dress of Princess Diana, I am not impressed with. Her dress was too poufy, and the train was too long and too wide. I don't know if it was her idea or the designer's idea, but it was not flattering. She was a beautiful woman, so the dress should have enhanced that, not detracted from it. In summary, fashion has always been
  • #1
physicssx
In most African countries, it is still a common belief that thin women are not attractive. Until the 21st century, full-figured women were considered attractive, were respected, and their padded (with flesh) and curvaceous bodies represented wealth, fertility and good health. The western society views a thin woman as ideal body and has forced many women including Africans to believe that a body that deviates from it is unaccepted. Fashion designers use the thin model as a basis from which to create ready-to-wear clothing for all consumers including those whose body characteristics do not comply with the ideal body features. This has resulted in unsatisfied consumers with clothing sold in the retail stores and negative reactions towards their bodies. The problem of ideal body versus un-ideal body shape date back to 19th Century, where Saartjie Baartman’s body shape characterised by full breasts, narrow waist and extra large buttocks was viewed by Europeans as ugly, yet later on, the same body, though not acknowledged, was used to inspire the creation of Victorian bustle dress that resembled her body in every aspect. This article examines the relationship between the Victorian Bustle dress that became popular from 1870 onwards and the unique body features of Saartjie Baartman, an African slave who was displayed in Europe against her wish as from 1810 to 1815, and even after her death, her body continued to be exhibited in a Museum in Paris. This paper concludes that her body could have inspired the development of the Victorian bustle dress. The paper encourages African women to view their bodies sensibly rather than basing their beauty on the western standard ideologies. Likewise, promotional media houses are encouraged to portray all body shapes fairly and positively. African researchers are advised to search beyond surfaces of historical events for the purposes of documenting underlying important facts affecting Africa.

Read full paper by click here.


 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
physicssx, when you copy and paste verbatim from another source, you need to show that. I have corrected your post.
 
  • #3
Evo said:
physicssx, when you copy and paste verbatim from another source, you need to show that. I have corrected your post.
Hi Evo, I will pay attention to this. Thank you very much.
 
  • #4
physicssx said:
... the same body, though not acknowledged, was used to inspire the creation of Victorian bustle dress that resembled her body in every aspect...

Fashion is a fickle business, which can get it's ideas from anywhere and everywhere. Whether Saartjie Baartman was the inspiration or not of the Victorian bustle dress, or just a coincidence of dress "evolution", it is interesting to look at the styles throughtout earlier times.

http://www.fashion-era.com/bustles.htm
http://www.victoriana.com/Victorian-Fashion/victorianbustles.html

Before that there was the crinoline
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crinoline
220px-1856crnl.gif


And of course the pannier, which extended the sides of the dress, but not the front or back.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannier_(clothing )
170px-MarieAntoinette_by_VigeeLeBrun.jpg


we can't leave out the farthingale, in Tudor time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farthingale
180px-Elizabethditchley.jpg


Some wedding dresses, and others for special occasions, conjure up some aspect of these styles.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes Evo
  • #5


I find this topic to be both fascinating and concerning. It is clear from the content that there is a significant cultural and societal influence on the perception of body shape and beauty standards, particularly in regards to African women. The historical context of Saartjie Baartman's body and its impact on the development of the Victorian bustle dress is a thought-provoking connection that sheds light on the often overlooked contributions and inspirations from African cultures.

It is concerning to see how these societal standards can have a negative impact on individuals, causing them to feel unsatisfied and even ashamed of their own bodies. I believe it is important for us to continue researching and documenting the underlying factors and influences behind these beauty standards and their effects on different cultures. By understanding the root causes, we can work towards promoting a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty in media and fashion.

Furthermore, I agree with the paper's conclusion that African women should view their bodies sensibly and not adhere to western beauty standards. Every body is unique and should be celebrated, rather than striving for an unrealistic and narrow ideal. As researchers, it is our responsibility to delve deeper into historical events and uncover important facts that have shaped and continue to shape our societies. This will allow us to promote a more inclusive and accurate understanding of our world.
 

1. What is the significance of Saartjie Baartman's body shape in relation to the Victorian dress?

The body shape of Saartjie Baartman, commonly known as the "Hottentot Venus", was seen as a unique and exotic feature by Europeans during the Victorian era. This led to her exploitation and objectification, as her body was put on display for public viewing in various shows and exhibitions. The Victorian dress, on the other hand, represented the ideal body shape for women during that time period, with emphasis on a small waist and curvaceous hips. The comparison between Baartman's body shape and the Victorian dress highlights the contrast between the objectification and fetishization of her body and the societal beauty standards of the time.

2. How did the exploitation of Saartjie Baartman's body shape contribute to the perpetuation of racism?

The exploitation of Saartjie Baartman's body shape by Europeans during the Victorian era perpetuated harmful racial stereotypes and reinforced the idea of white superiority. By presenting her body as a spectacle and object of curiosity, it further dehumanized her and reinforced the notion that black bodies were inferior and could be objectified for the entertainment of white audiences. This perpetuation of racism through the exploitation of Baartman's body shape had long-lasting effects on the treatment of black individuals and their bodies.

3. What was the impact of the exhibition of Saartjie Baartman's body shape on African culture?

The exhibition of Saartjie Baartman's body shape had a detrimental impact on African culture. It perpetuated the idea that African women were exotic and hypersexual, contributing to the objectification and fetishization of black women's bodies. It also reinforced the belief that African cultures were primitive and inferior to European culture. The exploitation of Baartman's body shape also had a lasting impact on the representation of African women in media and popular culture, with many harmful stereotypes still prevalent today.

4. How did the treatment of Saartjie Baartman's body shape reflect the colonial mindset of the Victorian era?

The treatment of Saartjie Baartman's body shape during the Victorian era reflected the colonial mindset of the time. Europeans saw themselves as superior to Africans and viewed Baartman's body as an object to be studied and displayed for their own curiosity and entertainment. This mindset was prevalent in colonialism, where Europeans believed they had the right to exploit and control non-white bodies and cultures. The exploitation of Baartman's body shape was a reflection of this colonial mindset and contributed to the dehumanization of African people.

5. How has the story of Saartjie Baartman impacted discussions on race and representation in modern society?

The story of Saartjie Baartman has sparked important discussions on race and representation in modern society. It has shed light on the historical exploitation and objectification of black bodies and the lasting effects it has had on the treatment of black individuals. Baartman's story highlights the ongoing issue of racism and the need for representation and empowerment of marginalized communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Similar threads

Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
    • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
A review of dowsing: Evidence for and against
    • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
25K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top