Kanga
/ˈkɑːŋ.ɡə/noun
A brightly colored, rectangular cotton cloth traditionally worn or used by people in East Africa.
Did you know?The Swahili word kanga originally meant “guinea fowl,” likely referring to the bird’s striking black-and-white patterning; many kangas also feature proverbial messages called majina.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Bantu period
Proto-Bantu
*kanga
“A reconstructed Bantu term associated with the guinea fowl; the precise earlier sense is debated.”
19th Century
Swahili
kanga
“Guinea fowl.”
19th Century
Swahili
kanga
“A printed cotton cloth, named in connection with the guinea fowl’s patterned appearance.”
Late 19th–Early 20th Century
English
kanga
“An East African garment or wrap made from brightly printed cloth.”
Modern English
English
kanga
“A traditional East African rectangular cloth, often decorated with bold designs and Swahili sayings.”