khanga composition 3

The khanga composition as reflecting the transcriptions presented by the scientists, Listening to the Rift Valley, 2021.

Data collected from the chosen Baobab shows the changes happening within the tree over several days of observation. These data, translated into colors, were matched with khangas. About 500 khangas were used to express through dance and color the “message” from the baobab as captured by the sensors.

Khanga is a colorful fabric common in Swahili culture. It has many uses including as a garment by women, a baby wrap, a towel, and a ceremonial gift to name a few. Essentially, khangas are more than a piece of fabric. Sayings printed along their wide rim have been a means for women to send messages to those around them for ages.