The Aboriginal lap lap is far more than a simple garment; it represents a profound connection to heritage, identity, and a history that “Always Was, Always Will Be”.
Wearing this traditional wrap-around cloth is a powerful expression of cultural pride, often seen at ceremonies, school Harmony Day celebrations, and community events.
For many, it is an act of “wearing your culture,” bridging ancient traditions and modern life. Mastering the correct binding techniques ensures the garment remains respectful, functional, and secure, allowing the wearer to move with confidence during significant cultural performances like the “shake a leg” dance.
The Cultural Significance of Traditional Attire
In Indigenous communities, traditional practices are governed by what is known as “Living Lore.” Unlike written laws, this lore is described as living, breathing, and watching over the community. When sacred systems or traditional practices are disrupted, it is believed that an imbalance occurs in spirit, body, and the broader community.
Tying a lap lap correctly is therefore an act of maintaining this cultural equilibrium and showing respect for the elders who have passed down this knowledge through generations.
Expressing Identity and Mob Ties
Wearing a lap lap is a visible marker of “Mob ties”—the deep connections to family and country that Indigenous people carry everywhere. It is a celebration of being “Aboriginal and proud,” often showcased during NAIDOC Week or Harmony Day.
For young people, wearing traditional attire like a “Mitakoodi jindima fit” is a way to display their heritage in modern settings like school, reinforcing their cultural identity from a young age.
The Role of Lore in Modern Life
The preservation of these traditions is a form of resistance against cultural erasure. Leaders and activists like Essie Coffey have long emphasized that holding onto culture and knowledge is essential, especially when such traditions were historically pushed aside.
By learning to tie a lap lap, younger generations participate in a “cultural journey” that includes body painting, dance, and the revitalization of languages like Wakka Wakka.
Essential Techniques for Tying Your Lap Lap
To ensure the lap lap remains stable during dynamic movement, you must secure the fabric firmly around the waist. There are two primary professional methods used depending on the occasion and the desired aesthetic.
The Overlap Wrap Method
This is the foundational technique for maximum security, particularly during ceremonial dances where high-energy movement is expected.
- Position the Cloth: Center the open fabric horizontally behind your back, ensuring it is level with your waistline.
- Align the Lengths: It is crucial to have equal fabric lengths extending on both the left and right sides to ensure a balanced wrap.
- The First Cross: Bring the right side of the cloth tightly across the front of your body toward your left hip.
- The Overlay: Pull the left side of the cloth over the first layer, drawing it tightly toward your right hip.
- The Secure Lock: You can either roll the top fabric edge downward tightly over itself multiple times at the waistline or tie the top corners into a secure double knot on your hip.
The Front-Pleated Method
This method provides a more structured and decorative look, often favored for community gatherings or “Sunday best” events.
- Set the Base: Place the fabric behind your lower back as with the previous method.
- Create Side Tension: Pull one side tightly across your front to the opposite hip and hold it firmly to maintain the foundation.
- Fold the Pleats: Gather the remaining loose fabric into tight, accordion-style pleats in front of your body.
- Lock the Waistband: Tuck the entire pleated bundle firmly downward into the interior waistband to lock the garment in place.
Stability and Performance Requirements
When preparing for a corroborree or a “shake a leg” dance, the fastening must be significantly tighter than for casual wear. The physical demands of traditional dance require that the garment does not shift or unravel.
| Activity Type | Movement Level | Recommended Fastening Method |
|---|---|---|
| Community Socials | Low | Front-Pleated Method for style and comfort |
| School Harmony Day | Moderate | Overlap Wrap with a simple waist roll |
| Traditional Dance | High | Overlap Wrap with a deep roll and double knot |
| Bush Tracking/Work | Very High | Overlap Wrap secured with additional rope ties |
For those involved in traditional hunting demonstrations or bush survival workshops, additional security may be needed. Historically, Indigenous cultures developed various tools like the Woomera or Bondok for hunting, and their attire had to be equally functional and unimpeded by movement.
Fabric Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right material is a critical step in the process. Most modern lap laps are made from lightweight, breathable cotton, which allows for comfort in the Australian climate while providing enough friction to hold a knot or roll securely.
Size and Dimensions
A standard lap lap should be wide enough to cover from the waist to just below the knees, and long enough to wrap around the body at least one and a half times. This ensures there is enough fabric for the overlap or pleating techniques described above.
Care and Maintenance
For garments used in ceremonies involving body painting or ochre, special care must be taken. Traditional pigments can stain or be damaged by standard washing. It is often recommended to spot-clean these garments or follow the advice of elders regarding the preservation of ceremonial attire.
Modern Adaptations and Global Connections
The practice of wrapping fabric as a primary garment is a shared tradition across many Indigenous and global cultures. The Aboriginal lap lap shares semantic and functional similarities with attire from the Pacific Islands and Africa.
The Lapa and Sunday Fashion
In many communities, particularly those with strong Christian ties like the Ahsee family, the lap lap is part of a “Sunday best” wardrobe. This intersects with the African “Lapa” (or lappa), where fabric is turned into a skirt for church services. Similarly, the use of “lap scarves” has become a popular accessory in church fashion, blending style with functional modesty.
Pacific and Oceanic Influences
The “dancing meri” styles of Pacific Islander traditions and the Tahitian “Lava Lava” involve similar wrapping techniques. These garments are celebrated for their versatility, serving as both everyday clothing and specialized attire for cultural performances. This highlights a broader Oceanic connection where the art of the wrap is a shared language of identity.
Preserving Knowledge Through Family Workshops
The transmission of cultural skills is often a family affair. For instance, the Ahsee family holds workshops to teach traditional crafts like making coolamons—vessels carved from wood used for carrying water or babies.
Teaching the Next Generation
Preserving culture involves teaching children survival and tracking skills in the bush. This “Bush Queen” education, championed by activists like Essie Coffey, ensures that the importance of holding onto knowledge is not lost. Whether it is learning to play the Yidaki (didgeridoo) or mastering the knot of a lap lap, these actions are vital for cultural continuity.
Language Revitalization
Instruction in traditional dress often happens alongside language learning. In the Wakka Wakka community, leaders like Cory Appo are working to revitalize their native tongue. Encouraging children to speak their language while wearing their traditional attire creates a holistic sense of pride and belonging.
Expert Tips for a Professional Finish
To achieve a look that meets high standards of presentation, consider these expert refinements:
- Tension is Key: The most common mistake is a loose initial wrap. Ensure the first layer is snug against the hips before applying the second layer.
- The “Sit Test”: Once tied, sit down to ensure the wrap doesn’t pinch or pull too tightly. The front-pleated method often offers more flexibility for sitting.
- Layering for Confidence: Many practitioners wear lightweight shorts under their lap lap, especially when performing in public or at school, to provide additional comfort and modesty during active movements.
- Aesthetic Alignment: Ensure the top roll is even all the way around the waist. A slanted roll can cause the garment to sit awkwardly and may lead to it coming loose over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone wear a lap lap?
While the lap lap is a traditional garment, it is often shared during cultural exchanges and celebrations like Harmony Day to promote understanding and respect for Indigenous heritage. However, it is always best to wear it under the guidance of Indigenous practitioners to ensure cultural protocols are followed.
How do I prevent the fabric from slipping during a dance?
The “waistline roll” is the most effective way to prevent slipping. By rolling the fabric downward multiple times, you create a sturdy band that grips the layers together. For extreme movement, some use a piece of rope as a belt under the roll for added security.
What is the difference between a lap lap and a lapa?
“Lap lap” is the common term used in Australian Indigenous and Pacific Islander contexts. “Lapa” (or lappa) is more frequently used in West African fashion. Both refer to wrap-around garments, but they may use different fabrics, patterns, and specific regional tying methods.
Conclusion: A Living Tradition
Mastering the art of tying an Aboriginal lap lap is an act of respect for the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Whether using the secure Overlap Wrap or the stylish Front-Pleated method, you are participating in a tradition that is “living, breathing, and watching”.
By following these techniques, you ensure that this powerful symbol of identity remains secure, allowing the wearer to represent their culture with the dignity and pride it deserves.
As we look toward the future, the continued teaching of these skills within families and communities ensures that Indigenous lore remains a vital part of the global cultural landscape.