page_title: Kanga (garment)
section_title: Origins
hierarchical_section_title: Kanga (garment) / Origins
caption_attribution_description: Woman in kanga from Siyu on the Pate Island in Kenya
context_page_description: The kanga, is a colourful fabric similar to kitenge, but lighter, worn by women and occasionally by men throughout the African Great Lakes region. It is a piece of printed cotton fabric, about 1.5 m by 1 m, often with a border along all four sides, and a central part which differs in design from the borders. They are sold in pairs, which can then be cut and hemmed to be used as a set.
  Whereas kitenge is a more formal fabric used for nice clothing, the kanga is much more than a clothing piece, it can be used as a skirt, head-wrap, apron, pot-holder, towel, and much more. The kanga is culturally significant on Eastern coast of Africa, often given as a gift for birthdays or other special occasions. They are also given to mourning families in Tanzania after the loss of a family member as part of a michengo into which many community members put a bit of money to support the family in their grief. Kangas are also similar to Kishutu and Kikoy which are traditionally worn by men. The Kishutu is one of the earliest known designs, probably named after a town in Tanzania, they are particular given to young brides as part of their dowry or by healers to cast off evil spirits.
context_section_description: Kangas have been a traditional type of dress amongst women in East Africa since the 19th century.
caption: A woman wearing kanga in Siyu on Pate Island, Kenya.
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