Gluuw, Leewde, Hööb
(Frisian for ‘Faith, Love, Hope’)
Amrum, 2021

For centuries there was a surplus of women on Amrum, a North Frisian island. The men were traditionally seafarers. Often, they were away for several years at a time, or failed to return at all owing to the dangers at sea. The women left behind on the island had to fend for themselves. They managed their farmhouses and raised their children alone. In their everyday life the women would dress in costumes characterised by a rounded, fringed hood, a long-pleated skirt and tight-fitting sleeves. The chest and back were covered by a black cloth. As a display of prosperity on feast days, they would wear opulent silver jewellery on their chests including symbols of the heart, the cross and an anchor, denoting faith-love-hope, adopted from seafaring. Eight silver filigree buttons on attached chains framed this triad.

Over the centuries, these costumes evolved with variations in form, fabric and colour, often with elements borrowed from other cultures. There is not, however, a male counterpart of this costume found on Amrum. As seafarers the men wore the respective fashion of the countries they travelled to. Even when visiting their home, they continued to wear their work garments. In addition to the Frisian language, for many islanders their traditional costumes are still of identity-forming value. These pieces of clothing are inherited from one generation to the next. Nowadays, these costumes are only worn on special occasions such as confirmations, weddings or funerals. In addition, dance ensembles perform for tourists to marvel at the well-preserved historic clothing.

Supported by Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien, Neustart Kultur and Stiftung Kulturwerk. A detailed portfolio is available on request.