The historical, cultural, and political significance of kanga fabrics within African culture: The case of Zanzibar

This study examines the role of Kanga fabrics as a social, cultural, and historical means of communication in Swahili culture. The aim of the research is to understand the role of Kanga fabrics, particularly in the case of Zanzibar, in conveying societal norms, identities, and messages. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women from the Swahili community, and the data obtained were analyzed using the descriptive analysis method through MAXQDA software. The findings reveal that Kanga is not merely a piece of clothing but also serves as a versatile cultural symbol that conveys social status, religious and political messages, moral values, and gender roles among women. Participants' statements highlight the significance of Kanga in rituals such as weddings, births, and funerals, as well as its importance in daily life, where its colors and patterns convey a wide array of messages.