Isidwaba

The isidwaba [isidʷaːɓa], a traditional Zulu leather skirt worn by married women, is made from the hide of animals that belonged to the woman's father.

The isidwaba, which is also known as isikhakha, is a traditional Zulu leather skirt worn by a betrothed and married woman.

[1] It is made of cowhide or goatskin, as depicted on the South African Heritage Resource Agency website.

The isidwaba has remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century whereas other traditional objects have undergone transformations both in form and material used to make them.

[2] The isidwaba is usually given as a gift by the father of the bride from the cow given to the bride-to-be for her Umemulo (Coming of Age) ceremony.

[2] This is where isidwaba plays a critical role that affords her ancestral protection from her newfound ancestors (who at this point have not accepted her as a member of the homestead).

These subcultures are usually located in the regions of the nation where goats thrive on the vegetation of the area, and are therefore more numerous than cattle.

The side ends must overlap to ensure that the bride is adequately covered by the isidwaba and that she must not be exposed, even whilst doing the traditional dance.

Izidwaba (plural) are protective ancestral garments perceived as concrete symbols of control over women's fertility.

[2] As a result, the women have no choice but to wear their skirts that are also described as 'ancestral blankets' that enfold and protect the wearer.

[11] As a result of this dark marriage skirt, the Amadlozi can accompany the bride to her husband's homestead and ensure her fertility.

[10] It is further highlighted in literature that migrant men feel secure when their women wear these skirts when they leave for urban areas.