Hailed as a form of expression, traditional regalia has formed a great part of every ethnic group’s heritage for several generations. It has helped to shape, celebrate, and define the identity of many. Depending on the ethnic group, regalia can be a piece of jewellery, accessory, or even items of clothing that hold great symbolism to the people. All of these items are known to consist of vibrant colours, patterns, as well as traditional elements that can be interpreted differently depending on the ethnic group in which they are worn. Showcased below, are the various traditional regalia that was worn to pay homage to some of the different cultures found in the Kovsie community.
Umbhacho
Umbhaco is a type of material that is often used for the traditional dresses worn by Xhosa women for various formal and informal ceremonies. Albeit often used for traditional dresses, the material can also be used in modern fashion. The material is elegant and so durable that it can withstand being passed down from one generation to the next.
Zulu traditional clothing
Traditional attire holds great significance in the Zulu culture and marks different milestones in the life of an individual. For one, Zulu women are known to wear different attire according to the stage of life in which they find themselves. An intombi (unmarried girl) is often bare-chested and wears a short, beaded skirt, colourful beads around her head and waist, as well as twisted beads called izincu around her ankles and elbows. Married women, on the other hand, are often more covered with items such as a shawl, called Ibhayi. They also wear hats called isicholo, which is symbolic of their traditional marriage status. Their skirts incorporate cowhide called isidwaba.
Zulu men’s traditional attire consists of clothing made from different animal skins. As with the women, men also have symbolic attire that marks their different milestones in life. Boys wear small front coverings called iqoyi, while married men wear longer ones called umutsha. The men cover their backs with ibheshu. They further wear head rings and often carry shields.
Seshoeshoe
The Basotho people’s traditional attire is adorned with bright colours and patterns. The Seanamarena (Basotho blanket) has formed a great part of the nation for centuries on end. The blankets are worn by everyone, young and old. Men often wear these blankets together with woven hats called Mokorotlo, made from mosa grass. The Basotho women usually wear traditional dresses and skirts called Seshoeshoe, which have different patterns, colours, and designs. These can be worn to various formal and informal events.
Xitsonga attire
The Tsonga traditional attire is full of vibrant and bright shades of pink, yellow, purple, blue, and green. Women often wear a wraparound woven and beaded skirt called tinguvu (also called a xibelani skirt), which is usually worn when performing the traditional xibelani dance. The xibelani dance is taught to girls at a tender age – the performance of which is regarded as an expression of pride in their culture and heritage. Men usually wear traditional shirts that are imprinted with different colours and patterns.
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Ankara print
Deemed as one of the most versatile fabrics to date, the Ankara – also commonly known as ‘Ankara prints’ or ‘African prints’ – is a 100% cotton fabric with vibrant patterns and colours. It is usually associated with Africa due to its tribal-like patterns and can literally be transformed into anything from dresses to shirts, pants, bags, and even fabric jewellery. A certified versatile diamond!
