Traditional African clothing
The kanzu is the traditional apparel worn in East Africa by Swahili speaking men. It is a long robe worn
by men in East and Central Africa. It is also known as a tunic or thawb and is usually white or cream in color. In Comoros and in Tanzania, the kanzu
is the national clothing. The kanzu symbolizes purity and unity and fathers (daddies) have passed them down to their sons for generations.
Note: Daddies is the plural of daddy - daddy is the affectionate term to refer to one's father
and it imply much more than simply a father. A daddy can be an older or dominant member of the family and one who provide protection and care (physically
as well as spiritually) for the family and community, even care for the nation.
The origin of the term kanzu has its roots in the Swahili of Ganda - the African people of the kingdom
of Buganda, members of a Bantu-speaking people of Uganda. The term kanzu can mean robe or tunic and is sometimes used interchangeably with the term
kaftan in Tanzania.
The kanga and the gomesi as traditional African clothing for women
These days, women can wear kaftans in Africa. However, the kaftan was originally the attire of men.
The kanga is usually worn by women but they are occasionally worn by men throughout the African Great Lakes region. The kanga is a colourful
fabric with rectangular print of cotton. The fabrics have been worn by women in East Africa since the 19th century. They have decorative borders
and a central panel usually with recurring motifs and an inscription. The word kanga is a Swahili term.
The kanga is large piece of cloth that measured about 1.5 meters long by 1 meter wide. It can be
worn around the lower body and legs or worn over the head and shoulders. The kanga can be used as a toga style dress, or as a headdress. It can
also be used as a baby carrier or used to create a sail style sun-shade.
The gomesi (also Busuuti or Bodingi), is a colorful floor-length dress.
It is most commonly used by women in Buganda and Busoga. The gomesi is viewed as a symbol of respect and dignity in Uganda.
The gomesi has a square neckline and short elbow-length puffed sleeves and a sash tied around the waist. This Ugandan Traditional Dress is
one of the most precious African Women wear, it can be worn for special occasions such as Traditional wedding (marriage).
Traditional African clothing for the modern west
African print have always been a statement of identity and culture and as a way to express personal
style. We all know and love the traditional African fabrics and they are still very much alive in our hearts and mind. However, many people are
searching for African styles to fit in with their modern life style. They can find it in Ankara fabric and Kente fabric.
The Ankara fabric is the one of the most common type of African fabrics. It is used throughout the
African continent. Ankara fabric (also known as African wax print), is characterized by bold colors and vibrant designs. The style originated in
Indonesia but has become a staple in African fashion. The patterns have been named after African proverbs, personalities, cities, places and
occasions - thus, the women use this fabric as a way of storytelling and documenting their culture and traditions. The Ankara fabrics have
vibrant prints that connect tradition with modern fashion choices.
The Kente cloth, the dashiki and the return of Royalty to the African American
The Kente fabric, which is well known, has intricate weaving and symbolic meanings which connect us
to the past. The Kente fabric, which is known for its vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and bold designs, is a traditional African fabric woven
from strips of cloth.
The term kente comes from the word kenten, which means basket. The cloth is made from silk, cotton, or
rayon and is woven by hand using a wooden loom. The silk yarn Kente is considered very prestigious. Each Kente pattern has its own name and a unique
spiritual/cultural meaning. Kente is typically worn by kings, queens, and other important figures during ceremonial events.
The dashiki is basically a West Africa garment. It is from the Yoruba word danshiki. In East Africa,
especially in Tanzania and Kenya, this style of clothing is called a Kitenge.
During the Freedom Struggle of the 1960s and early 1970s, the dashiki became of symbolic significance
to the African Americans. The dashiki become an emblem of African pride among the African diaspora. The return to royalty (right or privilege
of sovereignty, and nobility).
Note: The Ashanti (part of the Akan ethnic group) native to Ghana - are known
for establishing the Ashanti Empire. This was the largest and most
powerful state in the region from the late 17th to late 19th centuries. The Ashanti native language is Twi. The Ashanti believe in a supreme Power who
formed the universe, and they (we) also believe in Mother Earth and honoring our ancestors (acknowledging the skills of our ancestors, work (worship) in
harmony with nature, strive to rediscover lost skills and learn forgotten knowledge). The Akwamu, Akwampim, Akyem, Asen-Twifo, Fanti, Kwahu, and
Wasa are also Akan groups. The Ashanti are one of the few matrilineal societies in West Africa.
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