It has different names on the African continent. The Zambians call it a chitenge. Remove the G and replace it with a J, you get the Malawian appelation: chitenje. What about the colourful kitenges from the Democratic Republic of Congo or the khangas from the African Great Lakes region? They all point out to one reality-the wrapper. A commodity that is so useful and practical that it cuts across class lines. The poor and rich all need it and this comes as no surprise.
What is the African wrapper?
This is a piece of cloth measuring at least two yards or metres and it is used for different purposes in diverse contexts. You find it in homes, in the work place, at the market, at funeral places and wedding celebrations. Its functionalities are as varied as its colours. The African woman will not do without it.
What is so special about the African wrapper?
It is the queen of the household
Its presence in and outside the house is almost everywhere. You find it in the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and bedroom. It can be used as an apron or a hot glove. It can serve as a table cloth or can be cut out into napkins. Instead of a bathrobe, many African women don the wrapper when getting into or out of the bathroom. In the bedroom, the wrapper turns into a bedsheet, a curtain, a pillowcase or a bedspread, depending on the owner’s needs.
It is a mother’s and baby’s closest friend
It is not rare to see babies on mothers’ backs or chests in Africa. The wrapper as a baby sling is very handy in these cases. While the baby is sleeping, the woman can do household chores, read and walk around. It is also functional when the baby wants to play on the floor. The mother will let the baby get off her back and lay the wrapper on the floor, ground or lawn so that the baby can play on it.
It has cultural value
You can show respect by wearing a wrapper, especially in the village, at funerals, at engagement ceremonies and at all functions where it is necessary to have respectable dress and preserve modesty.
It has decorative qualities
People hang it on a wall in a frame or with mere nails to make their houses look beautiful. Some will make headboards out of it to make their bedrooms look original.
Its multi-purpose nature goes beyond
In dirty rivers where there is no water distribution company, the resourceful village woman uses a brightly patterned wrapper to filter the dirt out of the water. The strong village woman will also use a wrapper as a cushion to protect her head from the heavy loads she will be carrying all day, whether it is water or firewood. Many women will also use the wrapper as a beach towel or a sarong when they go to swim at the lake. Different types of clothes and accessories are also made from the wrapper: dresses, skirts, shirts, headscarves, ponytails and necklaces. The wrapper also protects from the rain and the sun.
It is good value for money
Considering its many uses, the wrapper is a bargain. You can buy it in market stalls in Africa for as little as 2 dollars. Many women will have several pieces in the home and will always carry a wrapper in the handbag. You just don’t know when the mighty wrapper might save you!
And here is a worksheet to review housing vocabulary. Until next time!