Kikoi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Short description

File:Kikoy fabric at the Maasai Market in Nairobi, Kenya.jpg
Kikoy fabric in Nairobi
File:Traditional kikooyi.jpg
Traditional kikoi being worn.

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 also includes the Maasai people of Kenya.[1] 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.[1] 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.[2][3] The garment remains a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Kenya.[4]

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".