Today, 14 October, marks 26 years since the passing of Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere (1922–1999), fondly known as Mwalimu. A teacher, African nationalist and socialist — a proponent of ujamaa (unity, dignity, and self-reliance) — and champion of the arts through Nyumba ya Sanaa, he is remembered as a deeply respected African statesman.

Upon his death in 1999, this commemorative kanga was released under the jina: MAJONZI TUNAYO TANZANIA — “All of Tanzania mourns.”

Produced in Tanzania by KTM Textile Factory, Dar es Salaam, the kanga’s pindo features alternating floral motifs and the Tanzanian flag, while the mji depicts a circular cameo of Nyerere set against a background of green crosses and yellow circles.

Photograph by Ethan Doyle White, 2018. On display at the British Museum (Af2006,02.1). Source: Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.