There are uncountable ways to wear a headscarf, or headdress, in South Africa. The headscarf can be wound, folded and swirled in a multitude of ways. To add to the unique look of each headdress, any fabric can be used. Maasai Shuka fabric, traditionally used by the Maasai people, is a popular fabric for doeks [...]
Headscarves, or doeks as they are commonly known in South Africa, have been worn as headdresses for years for cultural reasons. Doeks have also been worn as a fashion statement but they were worn traditionally by older, married women. Doeks are now being embraced as a fashion statement by young, trendy, South African women. Doeks [...]
We are often asked what the difference is between a kikoy and a sarong. The difference is that both are the name for a "wrap" but the names are used differently in different countries. The name kikoy is generally used in South Africa and East Africa for a piece of fabric, usually 1.5 metres long, with [...]
Maasai or Masai society is patriarchal, meaning men rule! Major matters concerning the group are decided on by elder men who are sometimes joined by retired elders. Most aspects of behaviour are covered by a full body of oral law. More often than not, a payment of cattle will settle matters. For the Maasai people [...]
In South Africa, we are in the depth of winter. With our infamous electricity supplier, Eskom, shocking us with power blackouts at the flick of a switch, I have taken to wrapping up snugly in a Maasai Shuka (Masai Shuka) or two while watching tele... oops, watching the flickering candle. There are compensations to blackouts, [...]
