Why Wear African Masks

These days, the African masks have been made based on both conventional and modern style and worn by skilled performers. People are wearing these masks together with elaborate costumes in order to showcase and also to inspire & worship the rich African cultural and history. The African masks are also worn to seek protection, to celebrate a great harvest as well as in ceremonial events. The African masks’ symbolic & artistic details will express the social, moral & religious values of the entire community.

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African Masks Materials

The African Masks are usually hand-crafted by experienced and highly trained artisans. In Kenya the masks are constructed with glazed terra, whereas in most of the other African countries, masks are made mainly with wood. For example, in Ghana, the majority of the African masks found here are made from the ‘Sese’ wood. The Sese wood can be found in abundance in Ghana and is extremely durable.

The utilization of wood in making of the African masks does have a lengthy history. Conventional African thinking states that the trees have their very own souls. Hence, by making use of the wood, the “life source” is transferred to the masks. Typically, before the artisan starts to carve a mask, he will consult the spiritual advisors and go through a purification event. The artisan believes that these types of activities will assist him in his craftsmanship as well as enhance the relationship and harmony with nature.

The Popularity of African Masks

African masks are extremely popular nowadays and are often used as decorations. The masks are available in a multitude of size and shapes and vary widely when it comes to the price tags. Indeed, some of the African masks are extremely rare and hence, their price tags are slight higher. Nonetheless, generally, the prices of the masks are pretty low. There are also a lot of people who engage in collecting antique and rare masks.

There’s a multitude of types of African masks and each one of these tells a different story.  Different African tribes have their very own type of carving methods as well. It will help you a lot should you choose to study the topic just a little before you begin buying African masks. For instance, some smaller children might be easily afraid of the African masks at your place. This is particularly true when it is dark.

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These days, African clothing is available in all kinds of designs and styles. Nonetheless, there are particular common characteristics among the many African clothing. All of them are typically rich with colors, bright & look extremely stylish. Indeed, in African clothing, one can see that there are various patterns and designs that simply express their elegance & beauty. Some of these do contain broad & pronounced embroidery while some are simple yet exquisite with no embroidery. There are also some that are available in as just one particular color while other African clothing are expressed in beautifully combined colors.

No doubt, when one chooses to wear African clothing, it tends to give them the shape, beauty & personality to the individual who is wearing it. African clothing has been around vogue for hundreds of years and it is desirable to many people all over the world. Both traditional & contemporary African clothing are well liked by all.

How to Buy African Clothing

Do you know the things you have to consider when buying the African clothing that is suitable for you? Here are some basic things that you have to consider. Firstly, do look at the design & fabric. Obviously the design that you choose have to fit your style. Keep in mind that the type of pattern or design you select should fit the occasion or event as well. For instance, if you are going for formal event, you are encouraged to wear a well design lace fabric.

You also need to look at the quality of fabric of the African clothing. You will find that there are countless of African fabrics but typically the most popular ones would be the satin lace, voile lace, linen, brocade, aso-oke & adire. One the most popular African fabrics is called the Ankara. The Ankara texture and consistency is of the highest quality and it could be converted to any type of patterns / designs that you prefer.
Also, determine if you prefer to have any kinds of embroidery on the African clothing of your choice. Unique embroidery certainly enhances the overall look of the African clothing. Do remember that the more embroidery on the African clothing, the more expensive it will be. Hence, you have to think about the cost aspects thoroughly. If you look closely, you will be able to find original African clothing at affordable price.

African Clothing: The African Kanga

One of the best African clothing is none other than the African kanga. The African kanga is really a garment that is frequently worn round the waist. It’s has existed for a lot of centuries and it is highly treasured by most of the African communities. It is basically available in a wide range of different colors, patterns and sizes. The African Kanga symbolizes for various occasions and is part of the African culture. It is worn for many events such as during dancing competitions, weddings and even for day to day usage.

The African Kanga is also greatly loved by people all over the world. Many people, especially the women, love to wrap it around their waist line when they visit the beautiful beach. Probably the most stunning thing about the African Kanga is that it has unique & inspiring wordings written at the end of it. It is usually written in the local language, which is the Kiswahili. The good news is that this African clothing is easily available via online and it is priced pretty cheap as well.

The African Kanga can be used in several ways. Indeed, there are a lot of women who utilize it as a type of headgear. It is also being used as a sturdy shawl for the babies. In the event that you have time, you are even able to tailor make one on your own. This particular clothing can be served as a great memorabilia of the African culture. It is definitely a great idea to buy a number of these African clothing to present to your friends as gift ideas.

What is the African Kanga?

It is the traditional dress of central and east African women and the sayings, called ‘ujumbe’ in Swahili printed on the kanga are usually in their local dialect. ‘Asante kwa wema wako’ (‘thanks for your kindness’), ‘Ukom ti mungu utarate baraka tele’ (‘if you pray to God you will be blessed) and ‘Ee mungu nesutery na ubaya wao’ (‘God protect me from my enemies’) are some of the common sayings that are inscribed on the Tanzanian kanga.

The four borders of the African kanga, called ‘pingo’, are usually quite different from the center portion, which has a bold design and color. The central design, called ‘mji’, usually depicts nature, signs of fertility, fruits, animals, birds or even popular singers and football heroes.  Many believe that the ‘mji’ of the kanga could convey anything about the wearer from being a person of good upbringing to sending out a warning sign!

African Kanga Origins

The origins of the African kanga can be traced back to Portuguese traders in East Africa who traded in colorful handkerchiefs.  African women who took a fancy to these handkerchiefs, sewed together six handkerchiefs to make it into a colorful rectangular ‘sarong’.  Its popularity grew with time and soon it was designed as one single piece of cloth and called ‘Kanga’.  This name comes from the guinea fowl as it bears a striking resemblance to its colorful plumage.

An interesting fact about the African Kanga is that it was designed and created far away from Africa, in European and Asian countries like India, China, and Japan for hundreds of years.  It is only the mid twentieth century that saw the manufacture of the African kanga on African soil, with Tanzania and Kenya leading its production.

The African kanga is designed to cover you from just over the chest to just below your knees, or from the waist all the way down to your toes.  The things you can do with this wonderful rectangular piece of cloth is virtually endless!

How to wear the African Kanga

So how do you wear the African kanga?  Well that depends on what you plan to do that day!

If you are heading out to fetch water for your house, which is common in African villages, then you twist the kanga lengthwise into a tight rope and twist it again into a roll and place it on your head.  You will be amazed at the ease at which you can carry a full bucket of water balanced on the top of your head with the African kanga in place!

Or if that is too far-fetched, maybe you plan to go to the supermarket with your little one in tow. Just place your baby on your back and wrap your African kanga around the baby and yourself.  Bring one end of the kanga over one shoulder and the other end around the waist on the other side.  Make sure the kanga is securely wrapped leaving his face and legs free but tight against your waist.  You could leave his hands out or leave them hugging you tight, inside the kanga, around your chest.  Now doesn’t that paint a cozy picture?

If you live in a cold place and could do with some extra warmth, you could wrap the African kanga casually around your neck like a shawl.  It sure adds a touch of mystery to your wardrobe, what with the African inscription on it and the riotous colors.

And if you’d like to add some color to your Sunday best, you can reach for your African kanga again!  Take two ends of the kanga and tie them on top of one shoulder pulling it tight under the other shoulder while making sure it covers your chest.  You can be sure you will make a few heads turn!

Other Usage of the African Kanga

Having read so much about the African kanga, it shouldn’t surprise you that you can actually wear it on your head too!  Yes, the African kanga turns into a scarf with a few folds!  Grab two ends of the same side of the kanga and repeatedly fold in half until it is about 4 inches wide.  Then you place it just above your forehead and tightly pull both sides together at the back of your head.  Knot it once and pull the rest of the kanga onto either side of your neck and allow it to flow over your chest.  Makes a classy designer head wrap, doesn’t it?

How about wearing it to the beach?  The African kanga plays a dual role at the beach:  one of a sarong that you could drape around your waist and the other of a wrap just over your breasts.  Knot it tight to one side and you have the perfect accessory to your swimsuit.

And if you are planning a trip to Africa, make sure the African kanga is a big part of your wardrobe.  A woman wearing the kanga is treated with a lot of respect and is greeted very warmly.  Sticking to your shorts and jeans will not get you very far.  You will be looked on and treated as the tourist that you are.  So if you want a real glimpse of African households, their life and culture, make sure you stay wrapped in an African kanga throughout your stay there.

The African kanga is also very popular as a gift.  To make a really good impression on an African family, all you need to do is present them with kangas.  It is said that they can never have enough of this particular garment!

If you, by some quirk of fate, get married in Zanzibar, you can expect to be wrapped in an African kanga as it is also an essential wedding garment in that part of the world.

The kanga is constantly evolving and newer designs and newer sayings are added to its repertoire.  If you are ever faced with an opportunity to pick up the African kanga, don’t hesitate to grab it!

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