A kikoi is a traditional rectangle of woven cloth originating from Africa. Considered a part of Swahili culture, the kikoi is mostly worn by the coastal men but now includes the Maasai people of Kenya as well as men from Tanzania and Zanzibar. It is most commonly viewed a type of sarong.
Description
The kikoi is made of cotton and patterns are woven rather than dyed into the fabric. As with all sarongs, it is a single piece of cloth which is wrapped around the waist, and rolled over outwards a couple of times. Outside of their intended use as a sarong, they can be used as a sling to hold a baby, towel, or a head wrap.
History
The kikoi emerged from cultural exchange between East Africans and their trading partners from nations like Somalia centuries ago. The garment remains a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Kenya.
References
- ^ BU African Studies Library (9 December 2019). "African Textile Collection". Storymaps.ArcGIS.com. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- "Traditional Kenyan cloth becomes focus of trademark controversy". Reuters. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- Morris, Bernadine (1987). "Versatility in a Wrap Handmade in Kenya". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- Perry, Alex. "Nairobi: Finding the Perfect Souvenir". Time. Retrieved 11 October 2020.