Description
Shweshwe is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for traditional Southern African clothing. Originally dyed indigo, modern prints are characterised by their intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colours.
Due to its popularity, shweshwe has been described as the denim, or tartan, of South Africa. The local name shweshwe is derived from the fabric’s association with Lesotho’s King Moshoeshoe I, also spelled “Moshweshwe”. Moshoeshoe I was gifted with the fabric by French missionaries in the 1840s and subsequently popularised it.
Shweshwe is traditionally used to make dresses, skirts, aprons and wraparound clothing. Shweshwe clothing is traditionally worn by newly married Xhosa women, known as makoti, and married Sotho women.
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