CAPULANA - ORIGIN OF THE NAME
The first time I saw a capulana was in the hands of Valdo. He brought not just the fabric, but a whole world with him.
A world made of color, rhythm, family stories and deep roots in Mozambique.
A world made of color, rhythm, family stories and deep roots in Mozambique.
What is the origin of the word "Capulana"?
The word capulana has a rich origin, born from the mixture of cultures and paths that crossed over the centuries. The term is believed to have originated in the 19th century, when Arab and Indian traders arrived on the Mozambican coast bringing vibrant, patterned fabrics. These fabrics, which came from India, quickly won over local communities, both for their unique colors and for their price and usefulness.
The original form, kapulana (with a “k”), comes from the Bantu languages spoken in northern and central Mozambique. Later, the term was adapted to capulana, with a “c”, through the influence of Portuguese during the colonial period. Today, the name carries not only a linguistic history, but also a cultural, social and emotional one.
More than a fabric - it's identity
Capulana is not just a fabric. It's a language.
It is used as a skirt, as a headscarf, to carry babies, to give as gifts at ceremonies, and even to mark stages of life such as mourning or marriage. Each pattern has its own meaning (you can find the meanings here). And even when we don't know its meaning, we can feel the energy it transmits to us.
It was Valdo who taught me to see this.
Listening to the fabric.
Understanding how a simple fabric can contain so many layers of memory, respect and beauty.
From tradition to contemporary life
Today, the capulana continues to evolve. We find it in accessories, clothing, decoration, art objects, among others.
At Mwani Store, we make this journey between traditional and contemporary every day. We respect the origin of the capulana, but we give it new forms that fit into modern life, with lightness and authenticity and of course, with our interpretation.
For me, creating with capulana is also a way of continuing to discover Mozambique, a country where I was never born, but which welcomed me in such a natural and genuine way.
Discover our products now.
The word capulana has a rich origin, born from the mixture of cultures and paths that crossed over the centuries. The term is believed to have originated in the 19th century, when Arab and Indian traders arrived on the Mozambican coast bringing vibrant, patterned fabrics. These fabrics, which came from India, quickly won over local communities, both for their unique colors and for their price and usefulness.
The original form, kapulana (with a “k”), comes from the Bantu languages spoken in northern and central Mozambique. Later, the term was adapted to capulana, with a “c”, through the influence of Portuguese during the colonial period. Today, the name carries not only a linguistic history, but also a cultural, social and emotional one.
More than a fabric - it's identity
Capulana is not just a fabric. It's a language.
It is used as a skirt, as a headscarf, to carry babies, to give as gifts at ceremonies, and even to mark stages of life such as mourning or marriage. Each pattern has its own meaning (you can find the meanings here). And even when we don't know its meaning, we can feel the energy it transmits to us.
It was Valdo who taught me to see this.
Listening to the fabric.
Understanding how a simple fabric can contain so many layers of memory, respect and beauty.
From tradition to contemporary life
Today, the capulana continues to evolve. We find it in accessories, clothing, decoration, art objects, among others.
At Mwani Store, we make this journey between traditional and contemporary every day. We respect the origin of the capulana, but we give it new forms that fit into modern life, with lightness and authenticity and of course, with our interpretation.
For me, creating with capulana is also a way of continuing to discover Mozambique, a country where I was never born, but which welcomed me in such a natural and genuine way.
Discover our products now.
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