The Influence of Dothraki Clothing on Westerosi Perspectives: A Deeper Dive
In the vast and richly detailed world of A Song of Ice and Fire and its Game of Thrones adaptation, the clash of cultures creates a fascinating narrative backdrop. One such cultural artifact that sparks curiosity is the attire of the Dothraki, a nomadic warrior tribe. Curiously, the Riverlands folk, who have their own array of distinctive clothing, rarely express any opinions on the exotic attire of the Dothraki. This article delves into the reasons behind these indifference and the deeper cultural implications of Dothraki clothing.
Overview of Dothraki Clothing
The Dothraki tribesmen wear a distinctive outfit that stands in stark contrast to the Westerosi attire. These outfits typically consist of wool or leather breeches with a shirt of leather and fabric, and their patrons wear heavy belts adorned with spikes and leather thongs. In addition, the Dothraki use rawhide caps and leather boots. This attire is more practical for their nomadic lifestyle, offering protection from the elements and adaptability in various terrains. This is in sharp contrast to the Westerosi fashion, which is more ornate and elaborate, reflecting their societal status and tradition.
The Perception of Dothraki Fashion in Westeros
Despite the striking differences, the people of Westeros rarely have much to say about the Dothraki's fashion. It’s as if their animalistic and nomadic lifestyle is only acknowledged in terms of combat prowess and cultural practices, but not in terms of attire. This could be a reflection of the society's focus on status and tradition, which leads to a lack of interest in or perhaps disdain for foreign ways, even in matters of dress.
George R.R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, once mentioned that the Dothraki clothing ideas might have stemmed from his own wild dreams after having a sip of Dornish wine. However, the people of Westeros, who have a complex understanding of fashion and status, seem to look past these external differences, focusing instead on the larger narrative and the political stakes involved.
Cultural Representation and Ignorance
Why do the Westerosi not express opinions on the Dothraki’s clothing? It could be due to a combination of cultural representation, ignorance, or a focus on more immediate concerns. The people of Westeros are deeply rooted in their own cultural identity, which is reflected in their fashion and customs. Their clothing is often a reflection of their social standing, religion, and historical lineage, and they can be quite protective of these traditions. The Dothraki, as a culture far removed geographically and culturally, might not fit into the privileged narrative of Westerosian fashion.
1. Cultural Representation: In the world of Westerosi, fashion is a clear indicator of social status. Not only do different regions and social classes wear distinct styles, but also, the changing fashions are often indicative of the new politics and trends. The Dothraki, with their nomadic and more practical fashion, simply do not align with the visual aesthetics that the mostly sedentary Westerosi value.
2. Ignorance: The lack of interest might also be a result of a general ignorance or unfamiliarity with other cultures. In the novels and the show, characters from the South, like Dorne or the Free Cities, are seen with a fair amount of interest, but there is often a gap in knowledge about the North or the Dothraki Sea. This could be further exacerbated by the scarcity of characters from the Dothraki culture in the narratives, making their fashion less prominent and thus less noticed.
Conclusion: The Impact of Dothraki Clothing on Westerosi Culture
The indifference towards Dothraki clothing is a reflection of the broader cultural landscape of Westeros. The people here place a high value on specific traditions, social status, and sometimes, a smattering of xenophobia. The Dothraki clothing, with its raw and animalistic aesthetics, doesn’t fit into the Westerosi framework of high fashion and narrative focus, and as such, it is often overlooked or ignored. This indifference speaks volumes about how the Westerosi perceive their own culture versus that of others.
However, it’s also important to note that the Dothraki fashion, much like their culture, offers a valuable insight into the practical, nomadic lifestyle of the eastern tribes. It’s a part of the larger cultural tapestry of the A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones worlds, highlighting that how people look does not make them less of a culture or less of a narrative in their own right. Understanding this can provide a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural diversity within the series.