Dominica Philately: 1963 Definitive Series – 14c Traditional Costume (Type A)

The Madras, also called the Jip or Jupe, is the national dress of the countries of Dominica, Saint Lucia, and French West Indies. The madras is the traditional dress of the women and girls of Dominica and St. Lucia, and its name is derived from the madras cloth, a fabric used in the costume.

It was originally derived from the Wob Dwyiet (or Wobe Dwiette), a grand robe worn by the earlier French settlers, and this garment is also recognised as a national dress of the country. The traditional Wob Dwiyet (“Grand Robe”) consists of mouchoir, foulard, jupe, chemise, and “jupon a dantell” complete with gold jewellery on arms, neck, ears and mouchoir.

The image on the 14c stamp is of Edith Bellot (1943-2017). The photo was taken in March, 1961, for the British Central Office of Information.

There are two types of this stamp:

  • Type A – Eyes looking ahead
  • Type B – Eyes looking to right
Details
  • Designer: S Scott
  • Printer: Harrison & Sons Ltd.
  • Process: Photogravure
  • Paper: 
  • Watermark: C.A. Block
  • Perf: 14.5 x 14
  • Cylinders: 
  • Sheet: 
  • Quantity:
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References