Second Class Citizen

Lappas are fabric wrappers or waist scarves used in West Africa, specifically, in the context of this novel, in Nigeria. The first mention of lappas in Second Class Citizen is in Nigeria when women are preparing to welcome Nweze. All of the women have straightened their hair in European fashion, and they all wear matching lappas and blouses. These two elements contrast with one another; the lappa is a traditional African piece of clothing, and straightened hair emulates European traditions. Throughout the novel, Adah periodically uses a lappa. This serves as a symbol of her African heritage, reminding both herself and the reader of her Nigerian culture.

Later in the novel, Adah specifically chooses to wear a lappa labelled with “Nigerian Independence, 1960”; she says that she wants to show everyone “that she came from Nigeria and that Nigeria was an independent republic” (130). In this way, the lappa transcends being a personal reminder, as not everyone would recognize a lappa as a distinctly Nigerian garment. For Adah, every lappa reminds her of her heritage, but the Nigerian Independence lappa shows everyone else that heritage as well. The lappa also hides Adah’s stomach, which is relevant when she tries to hide her pregnancies.