In traditional storytelling, the most prominent narrative is the folktale .
What makes these collections so valuable is not merely the objects themselves but the testimony of contemporary Batswana who have examined them. In 2019, as part of the Making African Connections project, museum curators and researchers visited Botswana and spoke to local elders about the objects in Willoughby’s collection. One of those elders, , provided detailed explanations of what the makgabe meant in traditional Tswana society. His words bring history to life.
The story of the Makgabe is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and our deep-seated need to leave a mark on the world. It is a story that continues to unfold, inviting us to listen, learn, and protect this remarkable legacy. Northern Sotho people's history in this region? the story of the makgabe
The word makgabe comes from the Setswana root word kgabisa , which means “to accessorise” or “to make something ornate”. In essence, a makgabe is a decorative garment, but its purpose extends far beyond mere decoration. Traditionally, a makgabe is a composed of a fringe of closely tied plaited strings, often attached to a hide belt or waistband. Some variations are made of wool, while others incorporate beads, buttons, or other decorative elements. In its most basic form, the makgabe is worn around the waist and hangs down to cover the lower body, typically reaching somewhere between the upper thigh and the knee.
Willoughby assembled his collection during a period of profound social and technological change in Bechuanaland. Railways and telegraph lines were being introduced; copper mining was underway; and British colonial rule was consolidating. Traditional lifestyles were being reshaped, even as they were being documented for posterity. The makgabe that survive in museum collections today are thus not simply “traditional” objects—they are witnesses to a moment of cultural collision, resilience, and adaptation. In traditional storytelling, the most prominent narrative is
They call it the Makgabe Tree. It stands as a reminder that nature is not a storehouse to be looted, but a balance to be maintained. The story is told to every child who refuses to finish their meal:
One aspect of traditional Tswana dress that frequently surprises modern observers is the attitude toward the female breast. According to Tshupo Ntono, “The breasts would be left bare. People never usually wear anything up there”. Young women wearing the makgabe would leave their breasts uncovered as a natural and unremarkable part of their attire. One of those elders, , provided detailed explanations
From ancient rites of passage to celebrated children's folktales, the story of this traditional piece offers deep insight into the moral fabric and cultural wealth of the Batswana people. 1. Cultural Significance: What is the Makgabe?
In a quiet corner of a museum in Brighton, England, a string apron from 19th‑century Botswana hangs in a climate‑controlled case. It is a humble object, made of fibre and animal skin, perhaps unremarkable to the casual observer. But those who know its story understand that they are looking at something extraordinary: a piece of living history, a work of art, and a testament to the resilience of a people and their culture. That is the story of the makgabe.
Unlike the Tokoloshe, which demands active magical countermeasures, the Makgabé demands only interpretation. One does not fight the Makgabé; one reads its actions like a letter.
The importance of dance and adornment in Tswana culture is reflected in other traditional accessories as well. Rattles called , made from dried cocoons of the mopane worm and filled with small stones, were worn around the legs during dances. These rattles, originally made by Khoi and San people for harvest celebrations, were later adopted by Tswana communities and are still worn today for ceremonial occasions. Together with the makgabe, mathoa created a multisensory experience—visual, auditory, and kinetic—that was central to community celebrations.