Capulana is a very important Item of clothing in the history of the Mozambican Culture. You can't talk about the history of Mozambican Fashion without mentioning Capulana. It can be used for clothing, decoration, art and more. For women, Capulana has a much bigger and special meaning here, it is part of the Mozambican women's identity.


Capulanas have been in Mozambique since the establishment of the Arab/Indian trade routes. It was received from Indian traders as a means of trade for other goods. First, they came primarily in three colors: red, white, and black. White represented the protection of the ancestors, black represented evil, and red represented the spirit of war. After this time, Mozambicans preferred using Capulanas to the traditionally-used animal skins. Due to Africa's wildlife and environment, the most common early designs included suns, leopards, lions, the style "ndjiti" (a white and red geometric design), the style "xithango" (plaid, with the word meaning literally "condom"), and the style "ximangelani" (ducks). These styles were dominant until the advent of the Portuguese Colonial power. Today, these early styles of capulana are used primarily by "tinyanga" (witch doctors, spirit healers, "curandeiros"). "Palu", a style with very small plaid patterns in blue and white, was also popular in early years of the capulana.
Today, there are many kinds of Capulanas of various designs and colors. They are used in a variety of manners, including everyday casual-wear, carrying heavy loads, or even careful tailored for special events. Early traditional colors and styles of capulana are highly coveted and sell for higher prices in markets today.
Some couples make matching "Kapulana" outfits for special events or for a significant reason such as a traditional marriage between the two.
Where to buy Capulana in Maputo
There are so many places where you can buy Capulana in Maputo, but the best places to go to are:
-Casa Elefante - A capulana shop (the biggest at the moment) located opposite Central Market in Downtown, 25 September Avenue.


-The Craft Market (FEIMA) near the famous Polana Hotel. They sell it in the form of Art and Cloths such as trousers, T-shirts, Anti-Covid19 masks, etc.


-Café 3D, a shop on Salvador Allende Avenue, near the Mimmos restaurant.


-Loja Social, Located at the association of Musicians, Maguiguana Avenue corner with Vladmir Lenin Avenue.
References:
Wikipedia