Kitenge

Kitenge fabric is a colorful patterned wax print in a heavier material than the Kanga Kitenges (plural vitenge in Swahili; zitenge in Tonga) serve as an inexpensive, informal piece of clothing that is often decorated with a huge variety of colors, patterns and even political slogans. The printing on the cloth is done by a traditional batik technique.

Many of the designs have a meaning. A large variety of religious and political designs is found as well as traditional tribal patterns. Kitenges are used in different settings to convey messages. They are given as gifts, used as a sling, serve as wrap and even on a wall as a decorative artwork.