‖ kitenge
(kɪˈtɛŋgiː)
Pl. kitenges, vitenge(s.
[Swahili.]
In East Africa, a fabric, usu. of cotton and printed in various colours and designs with distinctive borders, used esp. for women's clothing.
| 1969 Daily Nation (Nairobi) 31 Oct. 5/1 Betty was taking a good look at the lovely things on sale, but had almost made up her mind to wear traditional kitenge on the ‘Big Day’. 1970 Sunday News Mag. (Tanzania) 30 Aug. 8 Take the case of a polygamous peasant whose wives have been turned into working machines to bring wealth to him while all they get in return are pieces of kitenge or khanga. 1971 Inside Kenya Today Mar. 42/1 Local fabrics such as Kitenges and Kangas are also used to make clothes at the Institute. 1971 Standard (Tanzania) 7 Apr. 1/8 UWT members have been urged to reflect the African culture in their dress and other items that convey our intrinsic values. May Day vitenges will be on sale at 19/20. |