Karosses

Karosses are traditional garments composed of animal hides worn as cloaks or coats, primarily associated with the Khoisan-speaking peoples of southern Africa. The plural form “karosses” appears in English-language descriptions of these garments. They are valued for warmth and protection in cooler climates and for their distinctive appearance in art and ethnography.

Construction and materials: Karosses are typically made from the hide of large game such as antelope or cattle. The hide is prepared and tanned, sometimes with fur left on for insulation. Garments vary in size and shape but are usually loose and draped, with edges finished by stitching or binding. Some karosses feature simple decorative elements or beadwork added by wearers or artisans.

Use and cultural significance: The kaross provides physical protection from wind and cold and may carry cultural meanings, including indications of status, lineage, or achievement. Variants existed among different communities, with differences in length, fur orientation, and adornment. Today, karosses are primarily worn for ceremonial events, as museum displays, or in ethnographic study rather than as everyday outerwear.

Historical and linguistic context: The term derives from Afrikaans and related languages and is used in ethnographic literature to refer to a traditional hide cloak. In modern usage, karosses are discussed as part of southern African material culture and heritage.