Kikoi
Think about how the utilization of kikoi, in the East African coast in Kenya, has changed from 1950 to
1990 for people.
1. INTRODUCTION
Kikoi is a texture which is produced using cotton fiber. The cotton fiber is known for its delicate quality,
shrinkage, adaptability and daintiness. Kikoy is a piece of clothing which was generally for men, as in
numerous hot nations (and Scotland) men wore a wraparound. They wore them to cool their body in
extremely sweltering climates and for ease. In 1950 the Kikoy was just folded over the center or hips or
anyplace and turned over outwards a few times. It was likewise utilized for making packs, caps and
family things including blinds, mats and bed blankets. From 1990 things changed and it was presently
worn as something stylish, they made dresses, shorts, pant and other apparel with the texture, (Omar,
28; 2006). This task will give data on where the kikoi texture originates from, the properties of cotton
texture, what is utilized for and the showcasing of the texture.
2. WHERE THE KIKOI FABRIC COMES FROM.
As per Alper (1983), kikoi are fundamentally the same as midriff wrapped pieces of clothing worn by
Indonesian men (sarung). The word kikoi originates from the Swahili word for wrap or something to fold
over the body. This well known texture started on the Eastern Coast of Africa with extraordinary
significance in Kenya and Tanzania. It is at present found over the landmass and adored all through the
world.
3. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE PROPERTIES OF COTTON FABRIC, (LOTTIE GOFF,2017):
1. Wrinkling
Cotton texture wrinkle effectively and should be pressed to get an incredible appearance of the texture.
In any case, the texture can be done to abstain from wrinkling.
2. Absorbency
Cotton ingests fluid very well which is the reason it assimilates the perspiration to keep the body
agreeable. Therefore, it is additionally extraordinary to use for towel and washcloths.
3. Shrinkage
Cotton textures will no doubt recoil during wash.
4. Breathability
Cotton texture permits air to pass however the texture and the body. The texture assimilates sweat and
discharges it on its surface. It is incredible for warm climates.
4. USES OF KIKOI FABRIC
The kikoi texture was utilized as a sarong, skirt, infant sling, towel, scarf, shawl, head wraps, dress. This
texture has three most well known styles which are; rayon Indonesian sarangi, sewn from a cylinder to
overlay around the body at the midsection, rectangular Swahili-style kikoi, machine-made in India or
hand-woven of cotton or banadir, named for the territory of assembling in Somalia, until the disarray of
neighborhood conditions finished this generation and exchange the mid-1990, (Omar, 28; 2006).
Gultom,n.d states that Indonesian Skirt otherwise called Sarung or Sarong is a huge length of texture,
typically folded over the midsection and worn by people all through quite a bit of Indonesian
archipelago. The texture has woven plaid or checkered examples it can likewise be splendidly hued by
methods for batik or ikat coloring. Numerous cutting edge sarongs have printed structures, regularly
portraying creatures or plants. The sarung is utilized for a wide range of reasons and some of them are,
unwinding at home or for formal love or wedding function.
Figure 1 : Indonesian men and lady wearing kikoi skirt for wedding service
(Source: Gultom,n.d)
Figure 2: Men wearing sarong at the sea shore
(Source: Kasuku, n.d)
Figure 3: Kikoi texture utilized for sarong and a pack
(Source: Kasuku, n.d)
5. MARKETING OF KIKOI
Kikoi texture is right now accessible for buy in Mombasa and Nairobi. As expressed before that kikoi is
presently flexible and can be found all through the world.
Figure 4: Kenya men selling the sarong
(Source: A.PERRY, n.d)
6. CONCLUSION
The data about the texture was exceptionally obscure and it was hard to incorporate an unmistakable
comparision between the two periods which where 1950 to 1990. The dates where not plainly
expressed on the articles, the main unmistakable date was 1990. The Kikoi after 1990 is worn by the
men in Kenya as well as it is presently worn by people of various societies for various reasons.
7. REFERENCES
(Gultom, 2019). INDONESIAN SKIRT. Accessible online at http://www.travelfoodfashion.com/indonesian-
skirt-well known indonesian-sarong/#[Accessed at12 November 2019].
(Goff, 2017). PROPERTIES OF COTTON. Accessible online at https://oureverydaylife.com/properties-of-
cotton-texture 12312307.html[Accessed at 13 November 2019].
Kasuku, N.D. KIKOI. Accessible online at https://www.kasukukikoy.com/pages/Kikoy-Guide.html
[Accessed at 13 November 2019].
The kikoi,n.d. KIKOI. Accessible online at https://www.kikoy.com/the-kikoy-story-its-history-and-
background.html[Accessed at 13 November 2019].
Mzanzi blessing. 2018. Story of kikoi. Accessible online at
https://www.mzansigift.com/index.php/2018/06/27/sources story-of-the-kikoi/[Accessed at 13
November 2019].
