Shanganis showcase Xibelani at Culture Week
KUDZAI MUPASI
HARARE-Shangani cultural wear dominated the just-ended Culture week with all models wearing the famed xibelani skirts as their introduction wear.
Chiredzi fashion designer Priscilla Ruzive who designed the xibelani skirts worn by all 16 models in the introduction wear, applauded the embracement of the Shangani culture at the national level.
Introduction wear is what the models put on when they go to introduce themselves before the judges and audience.
“The dresses I made are a remake of the Xibelani, a traditional Shangani culture skirt. Shangani is a minority tribe mostly concentrated in South-Eastern Zimbabwe, and I believe this was authenticating, highlighting and celebrating the Shangani culture. It is appropriate to educate the nation on minority cultures in the country so that we can fully embrace and appreciate them,” said Ruzive.
Culture week was held recently at Casino Marina Long Chen Plaza in Harare and ran under the theme; ‘Celebrating Culture, Diversity and Identity.
The event was held to provide an opportunity for the nation to appreciate the diversity of cultures and art.
Zimbabwe has over 20 languages and cultures, and the Government has so far recognised 16 languages; Shona, Ndebele, English, Shangani, Ndau, Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, and Sign language, Venda, Xhosa, Tonga, Tswana, Nambya, Ndau and Khoisan.
