Around these three the colour, design and prints are virtually unlimited. Special emphasis is placed on the meaning of a particular design and saying, for those versed in Swahili and Kanga culture this is of key importance when buying any Kanga. A man buys for his wife a leso in appreciation of her and the fondness they share, a Kanga saying like, ‘JAPO KIDOGO CHATOSHA KWA WAPENDANAO’, even a little is enough for those in love. ‘MPENDE AKUPENDAYE’. Meaning you should love those who love you, that love is reciprocal. ‘HAKUNA KISICHO DOA’ there is no thing without a flaw. ‘EMBE MBIVU HULIWA KWAUVUMILIVU’ directly translated that is a ripe mango is eaten slowly. This saying is metaphorical for the gentle course of a partners love as from when they are ready.
Therefore you can imagine what sort of buzz took over East
Africa when people first gained this novel means of self-expression. A buzz
that is still hot on African soil and fast taking root around the globe. It is
safe to say that there is no wrap of such grand import on the East African
coast.
From the more provocative to purely philosophical there is a
Kanga for all occasions. These articles serve not only as proverbial couriers
but a lasting part of Swahili culture, you can own part of this special heritage.
It is often said that the peoples particularly on the coast are born into, wed
and buried under lesos.
Do you own a part of Swahili culture, make sure to on your
Journey in Kenya.
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