Tswana bride, South Africa
The Tswana people are an ethnic group in South Africa that makes up most of the population of Botswana. The Tswana people have a rich culture that is unique to them, with their own cuisine, music and traditions. They have a special, local fabric called Shweshwe which they wear on special occasions or traditional ceremonies, including weddings.
The Shweshwe is a kind of cotton, printed with different patterns and dyed in shades of blue. Women wear this fabric on celebrations including different initiation ceremonies and, most importantly, on their wedding day. The bride’s entire outfit, including the headpiece and the earrings, are made of this fabric.