As the World celebrates World Kiswahili Day, we need to
understand that Kiswahili is not only a Beautiful Language,
but a way of life.
Kiswahili is about the tones of the different dialects in
different countries, it’s about the clothing worn, both men and
women, it’s about the art,(Henna Art), music, culture and food.
In some places, women may go topless and primarily wear beads
that mark their status in the society. In other places, women may be
fully covered as a sign of respect for their husbands. Some women cover
for very practical reasons, like cleanliness or protecting their skin or hair.
The Buibui, a full black cloak, is only common in Muslim-majority areas along
the coast The customs that emerge sometimes grow into distinct markers of
various tribes, locations, or classes.
One thing seems common to all-life in these countries is colourful. Women
in most places don vibrant pieces of printed cotton fabric called Kanga or often referred to as Leso, in Mombasa.
A kanga is a rectangular piece of cloth, about one meter by one-and-a-
half meters, which will often have a Swahili proverb printed along one
side. Kanga are popular throughout East Africa, and they serve a variety of
purposes. They can be worn as a skirt, an apron, a sling for carrying a
baby, or as a veil to cover the head and shoulders. Girls have a standard
way of tying a kanga around their necks, as a sort of halter dress. While
formal occasions may call for it, in everyday life, matching isn’t important. A
woman may have one kanga for a skirt, a different one tying her baby to her back, and another draped over her head. These bright cloaks make for a festive display.
The Buibui has become the cultural norm for women, in the East Coastline, Pemba and more.