OriginsKangas have for as long as is known been a traditional type of dress amongst women in central/east Africa. In the East African countries phrases in Kiswahili are traditional, while in Central Africa phrases in both Kiswahili and Lingala are popular.Communication vehicleOne of the longer edges of the mji features a strip which contains a message in Swahili, or less commonly in Arabic or Comorian. Other countries which produce their own Kangas write the Kanga messages/names in their main languages: in Madagascar (Malagasy Republic) where they are known as lambas, they feature ohabolana, traditional proverbs written in Malagasy; they are also produced in Zambia and Malawi. This message is called the jina (literally 'name') of the kanga. Messages are often in the form of riddles or proverbs. Some examples:Majivuno hayafai Greed is never useful[1]Mkipendana mambo huwa sawa Everything is all right if you love each other[1]Japo sipati tamaa sikati Even though I have nothing, I have not given up my desire to get what I want[1]Wazazi ni dhahabu kuwatunza ni thawabu Parents are gold; to take care of them is a blessing[1]Sisi sote abiria dereva ni Mungu We are all passengers, God is the driver[1]Fimbo La Mnyonge Halina Nguvu Might is right[2]Mwanamke mazingira tuanataka, usawa, amani, maendelo We (women) want equality, peace, and progress[1]Naogopa simba na meno yake siogopi mtu kwa maneno yake Im afraid of a lion with its strong teeth but not a man with his words[1]
