During Heritage Week in Jamaica (the second week in October ending with National Heroes Day) across the island people display their patriotism by donning the national colours of black, green and gold; and their unofficial “national costume”, the Madras cloth, affectionately known as “Bandana”. How did this cloth come to represent Jamaican nationality?<br><br>As a former colony, slavery is a part of the historical identity of Jamaicans. Slave masters were required to provide clothing for their workers that served to identify slaves from other civilians<sup>1</sup>. The Madras cloth was given to those slaves who worked in the fields, worn as dresses, pants, shirts and more famously, as a head tie.<br><br>“Bandana” derives from the Hindi word “bandhana” meaning “to tie” <sup>2</sup>. The cloth, a red and white plaid or red, yellow and orange checked material, was originally imported in silk from India in the 18th and 19th centuries. Considered too expensive for the colonial market, British manufacturers subsequently copied the look in the cheaper cotton instead<sup>3</sup>. <br><br>Jamaican culture has come a long way in being able to reclaim this unpleasant chapter of history and this is due in part to dub-poet Louise Bennett-Coverley who developed the bandana as a cultural symbol by actively wearing and promoting it, effectively turning a symbol of slavery into a celebration. <br><br>Acknowledging the impact and significance of small remnants carried forward from decades ago, such as the Bandana, is just one way in which something shameful has been turned into something meaningful.<br>