During this inspiring workshop, you will make your own Angisa: a traditional, starched headwrap with a rich Surinamese history. You will work with authentic cotton cloths from Suriname, carefully stitched, treated with cassava starch, and ironed.

Step by step – through about ten folds – you will see your unique design take shape. You will not only learn the folding technique, but also discover how shapes and lines can express a personal message. In this way, your creation becomes something meaningful that reflects who you are. Let yourself be surprised by the process, give form to your story, and experience the power of tradition and creativity in one.

At the end of the workshop, you will take home a beautiful, handmade Angisa: a striking headpiece that speaks without words.

The Angisa: a language of pride, strength, and expression

The Angisa is the showpiece of the kotomisi – the woman in traditional Surinamese dress. The way the cloth is worn immediately tells a story. Does a woman feel joyful and exuberant? Then she expresses it in a graceful Proisi ede or Pauwtere. Is she strong and determined? Then she chooses a Veda. Every fold, every style has a name and a meaning. This special knowledge has been passed down orally for generations, from mother to child. With attention, patience, and interest, one is gradually initiated into the art of folding and tying. From making the starch to carefully drying and ironing the cloth: every detail matters. Only then does the real work begin – the folding. That is where the Angisa comes to life, with its unique and expressive appearance. A striking example is the “Let them talk”: a Veda style recognizable throughout the Caribbean – powerful, elegant, and full of meaning.

Patricia Tel was born and raised in the Netherlands and has her roots in Suriname. After taking a basic course in Angisa folding, her enthusiasm was immediately sparked and her curiosity for this unique folding art grew. Since then, she has continued to deepen her knowledge of the techniques and meaning of the Angisa. She is now a certified Angisa binder. With great passion, Patricia is committed to keeping this tradition alive. Through demonstrations, lectures, and workshops, she shares her knowledge and inspires others. For her, the Angisa is more than a cloth: it is a powerful form of expression and cultural heritage.