The appearance and significance of Rastafari cultural aspects in South Africa.
Abstract
This article explores the presence and importance of Rastafari cultural
features in South Africa. These cultural aspects include symbols and language
that have become popular in South Africa from 1997 when the movement
was formalised.1 The symbols include religious signifiers employed in
Rastafarianism such as the colours of Marcus Garvey, which are displayed in
the attires worn by both Rastafarians and non-Rastafarians. While practices of
symbolic investment include the growing of dreadlocks, and the use of “ganja”
(marijuana) as a sacrament – these practices are frequently distilled into visual
signifiers such as equating dreadlocked person with a lion and a “ganja” sign
that appears on T-shirts and car stickers. Rastafarians have also coined a new
language (“iry talk or dread language”) as their means of communication.
In the wake of the democratic transition in 1994, both the language and
symbols of the Rastafarian movement have gained increasing popularity in
South Africa. By analysing specific examples of symbolic practice and visual
signification within a historical framework, the article explores the meanings
of Rastafarian language and symbolism for post-apartheid South Africa. While
Rastafarian symbols have been adopted by various people for different reasons,
their language has become popular among people outside the movement.