The most important article of clothing a woman owns is her chitenje. A chitenje (plural “zitenje”) is a piece of fabric sold in 2 meter increments and worn over her regular skirt. This outer, wrap-around skirt serves as an apron…and a basket, and a pot holder, and a baby-carrier, and just about anything else you can think of. Zitenje are generally brightly colored, and bear designs of everything from abstract patterns to portraits of Michael Jackson. For very special events, church groups, sewing circles, and other groups purchase zitenje in matching patterns, from which they have elaborate dresses made.

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