Deborah Sida

Deborah wears the Habesha Kemis, the Ethiopian dress for holidays and celebrations. It is handwoven cotton with a loose fall and embroidered borders called tibeb. The colors and patterns of the tibeb change by region, by occasion, and by the wearer's taste.

Over her shoulders is the Netela, a light handwoven shawl. It covers, it keeps off the sun, and it shows custom. Like the Kemis it has woven patterns along it.

Wearing them gives Deborah comfort and pride. They remind her that, as she sees it, God placed each person on purpose in their culture, tribe, community, and family. She is grateful for that.

DEBORAH SIDA · HABESHA KEMIS AND NETELA, ETHIOPIA · MINNESOTA · ARCHIVE NOTE, 2026