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Shweshwe Range These skirts are wrap around skirts made in a distinctive cotton panel printed fabric known today as Shweshwe. The early German missionaries first introduced the fabric into the country. The skirts are worn by women of all ages and status however they have a particular relevance to new brides known as “Makoti”. A Makoti’s skirt will often be and A-line – not wrap – with a plain matching “faskoti” (apron). These will form part of the regalia she is required to wear. The young brides also cover their shoulders with a blanket and will wrap a towel round their chest. An additional “mini” blanket is wrapped around the waste. Her in-laws determine for how long she dresses in this way regardless of the season. Once she falls pregnant and produces a family the garments become more ornate with frills decorating the apron and ribbon braiding of different colours adorning the skirts. She will also graduate to dresses in the same fabric. Both skirts are worn with their matching Iqhiyas. YiZakubona Crafts also bead the front panels of those skirts with patterns that lend themselves to doing so. |
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