· 

Those who speak with clothing. Kanga culture in Africa.

SWR/Deutschlandradio Kultur 2008, 55 Min. By Thilo Guschas.


 Foto: Thilo Guschas
Foto: Thilo Guschas

Those who speak with clothing. Kanga culture in Africa.

When they need to address delicate topics – sex, drugs, adultry – women in Africa use a very special kind of weapon. The put on a kanga, a wrap dress, that helps them to express their messages. On each kanga there is a short printed phrase that summarizes the issue in few words. Tensions among neighbours, a quarrel between spouses are subject of this clothing language, but also confessions of love or educational reminders of parents. However kanga communication has also a difficult aspect. A person that is addressed by a kanga may not simply ask what the message is. To talk about communication by kanga is a taboo. In East Africa, a textile industry has evolved that has only aim: to provide magical, absurd, deep and terrible kangas slogans to the masses.