African Sarongs

An African sarong, also referred to as Kanga, is a length of printed cotton fabric that is worn as a skirt by women and as a kilt (sarong) by men, especially in East Africa.
Its dimensions are around 1.5 by 1m, and the garment has a border along the four sides with a different design in the central part of the fabric. The Kanga has a rich cultural history, and is worn not just in Africa, but all across the world.

Origin

The African sarong, or Kanga as it was originally called, was first worn by slaves in Zanzibar at the end of the nineteenth century. These slaves were compelled to wear kaniki (black dyed cotton cloth) that reflected their indentured status, but when the slaves got freed, they chose to wear sarongs. The original garments were made of cotton, which was considered to be an expensive fabric in those days, affordable only by the rich. Wearing a garment made of cotton helped these slaves establish a new found identity of being free.

Means of Communication

The African sarong is not a mere piece of clothing. It is also a way of communicating diverse emotions to one's family and neighbors. This garment can effectively display feelings and thoughts, including the expression of love and insult, and even proverbs and riddles, through their intricate designs and colorings. In Tanzania, Kangas are also used as a means of education and for displaying political slogans.

Ethical Values

The traditional African sarongs hold great ethical value as they depict the diverse moods and lifestyles of the people of Africa. For instance, when a woman gives birth to a child, she is presented with a Kanga from her husband as a symbol of celebration of her ability to procreate. Also, the new born baby is wrapped in a soft cotton Kanga and old, worn-out straps of Kanga are used as diapers. There is a wide variety of African sarongs designed for different occasions and rituals, like celebration, prayers, exorcism and even death.

Uses

Traditionally, Kangas are purchased in pairs, where one is wrapped around the waist or over the entire body, and the other is draped over the head. Moreover, an African sarong can also be worn while dancing, sleeping or doing household work. Apart from being a garment, the African sarong can also be used as a bedspread, apron, curtain, towel, seat cover, table cloth, rug, belt, knot, just to name some of its many uses.

Designs

African sarongs are available in various kinds of prints and bright colors, and usually have a motif on the central portion of the fabric. "Kisutu" refers to a unique design of sarongs that come in a combination of either black and red or black and blue. The first one is used for wrapping the bride on her wedding day in Zanazibar, and is called "Kisutu Cha Harusi," and the latter is more commonly found in Mombasa, Kenya.

Resources

• East African Sarongs
• Kanga Photo Gallery