Crowned in Culture – Part III: East Africa’s Draped Grace

East Africa wears its heritage like a crown—bold, graceful, and full of story. Every wrap, bead, and weave tells a story of lineage, pride, and artistry that has been passed down through generations.  In this third part of Crowned in Culture, we journey through East Africa’s headwear traditions, where fashion meets history and elegance speaks the language of heritage.

Shash — A long, soft cotton scarf worn by Ethiopian and Eritrean men, often wrapped around the head or shoulders during religious and cultural occasions. Traditionally white with woven ends, it represents spirituality, humility, and pride. In modern times, Ethiopian designers have reimagined the Shash in colorful threads and metallic accents for contemporary fashion shows in Addis Ababa.

Netela — An elegant wrap worn by women, made from fine handwoven cotton with colorful borders called Tibeb. It’s draped gracefully over the head and shoulders, symbolizing modesty and devotion. On special occasions, women choose Netelas with gold or vibrant embroidery, transforming this spiritual garment into a statement of style and cultural elegance.

Kofia — Perhaps the most recognizable East African crown, the Kofia is a short, cylindrical cap worn by Swahili men. Embroidered with intricate geometric or floral motifs, Kofias are traditionally handmade in Zanzibar and Mombasa. The designs reflect both Islamic artistry and African craftsmanship, making the Kofia a symbol of piety and polished elegance—perfect for prayers, weddings, or everyday wear.

Kanga (Leso) Headwrap — An iconic East African garment, especially popular in Kenya and Tanzania. Made from brightly colored cotton fabric, they often feature bold patterns and Swahili sayings that convey messages of wisdom, humor, or social commentary. When worn as headwraps, Kangas and Lesos serve practical and expressive purposes—protecting from the sun, marking cultural identity, and celebrating personal style with every fold and phrase.

Gabi Wrap — A symbol of warmth, dignity, and tradition, it is a thick, handwoven cotton wrap worn by men and women in Ethiopia, especially in the highlands. Made from four layers of soft cotton, it provides comfort against the cool mountain air while serving as a mark of respect during gatherings, prayers, or ceremonies. Gabi’s simplicity carries quiet elegance—its pure white weave often accented by subtle colored borders—reflecting Ethiopian craftsmanship and cultural pride. 

Garbasaar — Flowing with grace and tradition, it is a large, lightweight shawl or scarf worn by Somali women, draped elegantly over the head and shoulders. Often made from chiffon or cotton and dyed in vibrant hues or soft pastels, it serves as a modest covering and a statement of beauty. Beyond its practicality, the Garbasaar embodies cultural identity and feminine pride—worn during weddings, Eid celebrations, and daily life alike.

Beaded Crowns — Colorful symbols of pride and status, especially among the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana. Made from vibrant glass beads in red, blue, white, and yellow, they are worn during ceremonies to signify beauty, courage, and heritage—each intricate design reflecting the artistry and identity of the wearer’s community.

East Africa has spoken—through embroidered caps, towering wraps, and threads that echo ancestry. These regal forms don’t just adorn; they affirm. With Part III now behind us, we turn toward the continent’s pulse: Central Africa, where headwear becomes heritage and a symbol of identity.

East Africa doesn’t just wear tradition; it styles it—transforming sacred heritage into statements of power, poise, and beauty. - La Djalobienne Eton

Works Cited

“Kanga: Cloth and Culture in East Africa.” Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 2013,
https://africa.si.edu/exhibitions/kanga-cloth-and-culture-in-east-africa.

Bishara, Fahad Ahmad. A Sea of Debt: Law and Economic Life in the Western Indian Ocean, 1780–1950. Cambridge University Press, 2017.

Kawira, Lydia. “The Beauty of the Kofia: Swahili Identity and Islamic Influence in Coastal East Africa.” Journal of African Material Culture Studies, vol. 12, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45–57.

Kriger, Colleen E. Cloth in West African History. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2006.

Owino, Agnes. “Threads of Faith: Ethiopian Textiles and Spiritual Expression.” African Arts, vol. 53, no. 1, 2020, pp. 34–47.

Spring, Christopher. African Hats and Hairstyles. British Museum Press, 1995.

“Maasai Beadwork and Identity.” National Museums of Kenya, 2022,
https://www.museums.or.ke/maasai-beadwork.

Tadesse, Abebe. “Textiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea: Tradition and Modernity.” Textile Society of America Symposium Proceedings, 2018.

Zawose, Rose. “Leso and Kanga Expressions in Swahili Society.” Tanzania Cultural Heritage Review, vol. 8, no. 3, 2019, pp. 22–30.

Wikipedia. “Kofia (hat).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, last edited 5 October 2025,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofia_%28hat%29