The kanga is among East Africa’s best-loved textiles, and Tanzania, with Zanzibar, features strongly in its story.
What is a kanga?
A kanga is a lightweight, brightly printed cotton cloth, about 1.5 by 1 metres, worn mainly by women in the Great Lakes region. Each piece has a border (the pindo) and a central design (the mji), and kangas are sold in pairs. One piece traditionally covers the head and shoulders while another wraps the waist; it can also be a skirt, headwrap, apron or baby carrier.
Messages and history
Each kanga carries a jina, usually a Swahili proverb or riddle. Kangas have been traditional women’s dress in East Africa since the 19th century. Early ones were printed in India, the Far East and Europe, and from the 1950s manufacturing moved to places such as Tanzania and Kenya. Morogoro became a major printing centre.
Gifts
The kishutu design is traditionally given to brides as part of their dowry, and kangas are popular birthday gifts, though the message should be chosen with care.
Sources: Wikipedia: Kanga (garment).
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