Wearing What Cannot Be Spoken page 14

Hidden Messages

Traditional indigenous African practices--especially certain aspects of female initiation rites--are considered retrogressive in present day Moslem Zanzibar. Local government has enacted laws to prohibit objectionable practices, yet some women consider teachings given during initiation to be essential for successfully dealing with polygamy.

Women inclined to traditional ways, therefore, find their voice in kanga: they wear hidden messages to promote the old teachings without raising any alarm to the authorities against the practice.

"Woman Environment"

The tesxt on this kanga is an incomplete sentence from a popular song that recites the teachings of unyago--an initiation rite for young women. The words "we want equality, peace, progress" in the central part of the kanga are deceptive: they suggest the kanga's wearer supports governmental ideals of progress, peace, and equality--including eradication of unyago.

The actual intent of the kanga's message is revealed in the words along the border: it is to promote tradition as clearly spelled out in the complete lyrics of the song. The slogan "Woman Environment" is, therefore, enigmatic to everyone lacking an insider's knowledge of both the whole song and the rites of unyago.

Photo on this page by Julie K. MacDonald

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