The ubiquitous piece of rectangular cloth used by Kenyan women for EVERYTHING … the kanga, or “leso” (lay-so) in some locations, usually features a 2-color design (plus black and white) that is either geometric or organic, or both. There is always an inner rectangle that has one pattern, then a border that has a different pattern with the same colors. Kangas also always have a saying or proverb on them in Swahili, which can be an expression of joy, sorrow, religious fervor, personal values, or social commentary.
[women wearing kangas at a wedding]
Kangas are sold in sets of two (uncut and un-hemmed), because women usually use one to wrap around their waist and the other to wrap around their shoulders/hold their baby/wrap around their head. However, the majority of women combine their clothing and kangas without any worry of matching – it’s a great cacophony of color! We have learned that kangas are much more common in rural/village areas – people who live in the city and working women do not wear kangas outside of the house.
[women wearing kangas at a burial]
Kangas can be used to show solidarity in significant life events – engagements, weddings, funerals, etc. Typically the main people involved decide on a pattern (sometimes specific colors, other times you can choose any color with the same pattern) and then spread the word to others who are closely involved or will attend the event. Then each person purchases her own from any various kanga shop and then can make an outfit from it or just wear it wrapped over her clothes. Kangas are identified by their sayings, so you can’t just go ask for “the red and yellow one with the pin-wheel looking design,” as I found out the hard way!
[women wearing kangas at work]
Wrapping a kanga around your waist or making clothes from it are definitely the most common uses, but you aren’t limited to wearing a kanga! I have either personally used or witnessed a kanga being used for each of these things – and I’m sure you could come up with many more ideas!
Wearable:
1. wrap skirt
2. sarong
3. mini skirt
4. shawl
5. girl’s dress
6. head wrap
7. head band
8. hijab (Muslim head scarf)
9. nightgown
10. robe
11. apron
Around the house:
12. bath towel
13. dish towel
14. rug/mat
15. mop
16. oven mitt
17. trivet
18. picnic blanket
19. sheet
20. curtain
21. table cloth
22. laundry bag
23. appliance cover
24. couch cover
25. throw blanket
Other uses:
26. baby holder/ one of the original “Bjorns”
27. handkerchief
28. water filter
29. basket/bag
30. purse/money holder
31. ipod holder
32. cloth for sewing anything
33. “carpet” laid down for bride to walk on at wedding
ps. So the men don’t feel left out, there is a man’s version, called a kikoi. This is definitely limited to around the house (though a few old men in Mombasa wear them around the streets), and they don’t usually have cool patterns and sayings. But they are very useful for keeping off the mosquitoes in the evening!
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