In Zambia the printed wrap cloth known as the chitenge is part of everyday style, as it is in neighbouring regions.
The chitenge
A chitenge is a sarong-like piece of fabric with bright patterns, worn across East, West and Central Africa and called a chitenge in parts of Zambia and in Namibia. The printing method traces back to batik from Indonesia; modern versions use an industrial form of it, producing wax prints, and most are now roller-printed. It can be wrapped around the chest or waist, tied over the head, or used as a baby sling, and is also sewn into dresses, blouses, trousers, hoodies and bags.
Textile traditions
Zambia’s culture page lists fabrics among popular traditional arts, alongside basketry, pottery and carvings. At the pre-colonial trading hub of Ingombe Ilede, goods traded included fabrics, beads, gold and bangles. After the colonial era, urbanisation led different ethnic groups to adopt aspects of global culture, especially in dressing.
Sources: Wikipedia: Chitenge, Wikipedia: Culture of Zambia.
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