What we wear: The San art of clothing
A look into the dressing style of the San community in Xai Xai village, Botswana.
A look into our dressing style
We, the San of Xai Xai village, believe that disrespecting animals and our surroundings risks our clothes returning to their original state and the world falling into chaos. While we still honor our traditional clothing, Western styles have increasingly become part of our community.
The Smiling Woman (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
Our clothing is crafted from dressed animal skins. The hides are stretched on pegs, the hair carefully scraped off, then softened by hand-rubbing. Once prepared, the skins are cut into desired shapes and sewn together using sinew thread.
The Bag Attached (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
Carrying bags
We use a variety of woods, reeds, and animal materials as raw resources to craft our clothing, carrying bags, water containers, and hunting weapons.
Tjivita Xwii (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
Men's cloak
Men in the community wear a triangular loincloth with its point drawn backwards between the legs. They often drape a light cloak over the right shoulder, covering the back.
Xushe Xishee (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
Beaded apron
Women wear a square front apron hanging from a waist belt, while older women sometimes wear an additional apron at the back, suspended from the shoulder.
The San Pouch (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
Women's cloak
The most important item for our women is the cloak, called the cross. It serves as both garment and hold-all. When tied at the right shoulder and waist, it forms a pouch to carry babies, food, and firewood during daily journeys from hunting and gathering back to camp.
Hide sandals
Travelling under the merciless desert heat, men and women wear tough hide sandals to protect their feet from the scorching ground.
Adaptation from the west
Having adapted to modern life while preserving most of our ancestral culture, our community now alternates between traditional and Western clothing. Though dressed for today, we keep our roots alive by proudly wearing our jewellery as symbols of heritage.
Project FUEL would like to thank the San community of Xai Xai village, Botswana for opening their hearts and home for this research.
Project FUEL documents, designs and passes on human wisdom and strengthens the wisdom of indigenous communities using art, digital media, and community outreach programmes. The arts lead the way to raise support for the challenges these communities face today, like migration, quality education and access to basic amenities like water and roads.
Cultural consultant: Bojosi Joster
Image Credit: Tessa Barlin and Daniel Myburg.
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