A kitenge or chitenge is an East African, West African and Central African piece of fabric similar to a sarong, often worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, over the head as a headscarf, or as a baby sling. Kitenges are made of colorful fabric that contains a variety of patterns and designs. In coastal areas of Kenya and in Tanzania, kitenges often have Swahili sayings written on them. There seems to be confusion with the Kangas, which carry text, unlike kitenges, which typically do not carry text.
Uses
Kitenges can be used on various occasions and in many ways, both symbolically and practically. Kitenges are used in different settings to convey messages. The following list demonstrates uses of the cloths. • In Malawi, kitenges are customary for women at funerals. • They are used as a sling to hold a baby across the back of a mother. They can hold the baby at the front as well, particularly when breastfeeding. • Kitenges are given as gifts to young women. • They are sometimes tied together and used as decorative pieces at dinner tables. • When women go to the beach, often the kitenge is wrapped around the bathing suit for modesty or to shield from the cold air. • Kitenges can be framed or otherwise hung up on the wall as a decorative batik artwork. Kitenges have also become very popular as fashion statements in urban pop culture with youth in Africa. Kitenges are incorporated in clothing items such as hoodies, trousers, and accessories such as bags. == See also ==