Adinkra was the name of a 19th century King of Gyaman kingdom, Nana Kofi Adinkra (now in modern day Côte d’Ivoire). Adinkra was defeated and captured by the Ashantis for copying their “Golden Stool” which was a symbol of “absolute power and tribal cohesion”. As King Nana Adinkra was been carried off to the home…
The shweshwe fabric is originally stiff, with a distinct smell. It is recommended to always wash the fabric before use. This gets rid of the stiffness and makes it soft to use. The fabric also shrinks a bit after washing. Photo-credit:
Originally, young girls would wear narrow strips of wenda covering the pelvic region (Maredo) and decorate themselves with necklaces and bracelets made from grass (Vhukunda). Married some wear aprons made from sheepskin (Gwana). Males wear Tsindi, a triangular piece of animal skin used to cover the groin area, all the way to the back. These…
A married woman wears the”ijogolo”, a five-finger shaped apron, after the birth of her first child. She also wears a blanket she wraps around her shoulders called “Nguba”. This blanket is decorated with beads that are milestones to significant events in her life. She also wears a headgear as a sign of respect shown to…
The Ndebeles are known for their house art with distinct colours and patterns. This skill was developed as a result of slavery and oppression they faced. Ironic isn’t it. They therefore used their house paintings as means of communicating with each other. The Boers at that time, who were their masters, saw it simply as…
Here are instructions on how to pre-wash your shweshwe fabric: Firstly, soak the fabric hot water in laundry tub or your bath tub. (DO NOT add detergent for pre-wash). Place in washing machine on Rinse & Spin cycle. Dry and Iron. (You can use a clothes dryer if you have one). Photo: Nomzamo Mbatha…
1. Always wash separately from other clothes or colours. 2. Hand-wash in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. If you must use a washing machine just use the gentle cycle, avoid spinning. 3. Do not tumble dry, instead hang to dry. 4. Iron on the wrong side of the fabric ( you retain…
Shweshwe is the name of the indigo cloth worn by most of Southern Africa. This indigo fabric, which was dyed by the indigofera plant, originated from India and Holland. Four companies produce different Colours of the shweshwe fabric: Indigo – Da Gama Textiles Blue – Three Leopards (Tree cats) Chocolate brown and red – Tootal(Toto)…
