Khanga meaning
Khanga meaning: the cloth that talks
The khanga, also spelled kanga and called leso in parts of Kenya, is a rectangle of printed cotton worn across East Africa. What makes it unique is the saying printed on it.
Free to design and share. Pre-filled with “Kila chombo kwa wimbile”; change it to anything.
What is a khanga?
A khanga is a piece of printed cotton, about 150 × 100 cm, traditionally sold in pairs. It is worn as a wrap or headscarf, used to carry babies, given as a gift, and worn at weddings, celebrations and funerals.
The three parts
- Pindo: the border that frames the cloth.
- Mji: the central field and motif; the word means “town”.
- Jina: the saying, usually in Swahili; the word means “name”.
A short history
The khanga grew out of the Indian Ocean trade of the late 19th century, in coastal towns such as Mombasa and Zanzibar. The name is often linked to the guinea fowl (kanga), after early spotted designs. Printed sayings became a feature in the early 20th century, and the khanga became a way to communicate: a cloth can bless, console, advise or tease, often indirectly.
How sayings are used
Choosing which khanga to wear, or to give, can carry a message. Sayings range from proverbs (methali) and blessings to love notes and sharp-tongued remarks. Explore our library of Swahili proverbs with translations.
Questions
Is it khanga or kanga?
Both spellings are used. “Kanga” is common in Swahili writing and in Kenya; “khanga” is often seen in English and in Tanzania.
What is the difference between a kanga and a kitenge?
A kanga is a light cloth with a border and a saying; a kitenge is heavier wax-print fabric sold by length for tailoring. See kanga vs kitenge vs kikoi.