African Traditional Clothing

In this article, we are going to take a dive into African traditional clothing. Explore the different types of clothing types and clothing styles among different African cultures.

In this article, we are going to take a dive into African traditional clothing. Explore the different types of clothing types and clothing styles among different African cultures.

Traditional clothing in the past and even up to the present is a perfect resemblance to a people’s origin. The specific costumes and garments a particular group of people wears give them identity and also indicate their cultural and religious beliefs. Traditional clothing is also a hint which tells us more about a period of time the people lived and also their position in a society set up.

Let us take a look at the traditional clothing of the people in the Southern parts of Africa. Before the colonial era, the people in these parts of the continent wore clothes made from animal skins, usually referred to as “Nhembe” (Shona Zimbabwean name). The animal skins that were used to make the clothes also varied based on the status of the wearer, for example, the kings and queens would wear clothes made from Lion skin. This resembled their level of authority and their status position within the society

Let us take a look at the traditional clothing of the people in the Southern parts of Africa. Before the colonial era, the people in these parts of the continent wore clothes made from animal skins, usually referred to as “Nhembe” (Shona Zimbabwean name). The animal skins that were used to make the clothes also varied based on the status of the wearer, for example, the kings and queens would wear clothes made from Lion skin. This resembled their level of authority and their status position within the society

Let us take a look at the traditional clothing of the people in the Southern parts of Africa. Before the colonial era, the people in these parts of the continent wore clothes made from animal skins, usually referred to as “Nhembe” (Shona Zimbabwean name). The animal skins that were used to make the clothes also varied based on the status of the wearer, for example, the kings and queens would wear clothes made from Lion skin. This resembled their level of authority and their status position within the society

Another amazing traditional dressing is the Dashiki. This is a shirt that is baggy, it gives the wearer a feeling of relaxation. The Dashiki is made from cotton or silk. When it’s the one from silk it holds greater value due to the scarcity of the silkworm from which it comes. Also, the process to make it ready to make the Dashiki. This type of clothing comes with a variety of quite detailed designs which tells an amazing African story about the cultural and national beliefs, hence it is of great significance in West Africa and it is worn by men in West Africa mainly.

Also, Ankara has taken over Africa-wide. Ankara, which originates from the Maasai people is a cotton cloth that holds vibrant different colors and great designs have become the talk of Africa. The cloth is starched so as to increase its strength thereby lasting longer. The Ankara is being used to make beautiful costumes and pants that are worn at traditional ceremonies such as traditional weddings ‘’Marooro’’ they call them in Zimbabwe.

In conclusion, the rich and diverse African traditional clothing tells a great story of where Africa came from, where it going, and the African cultural beliefs as passed on from the forefathers. African traditional clothing is a beautiful expression of African culture. From the bold and colorful Ankara fabric to the intricate beadwork of the Maasai people, African traditional clothing is a reflection of the diversity and richness of African culture.