Walking around in Ghana, one of the most noticeable things is the ubiquitousness of colorful fabrics. Everyone is decked out in loud patterns and bright colors, from every hue in the rainbow. A trip to the market reveals that you can buy these fabrics in any length you want and have it taken to a tailor or seamstress to have some wonderful, custom clothes made. However, the most common length of fabric you’ll see around is two-yards and it’s not made into anything at all.
A two-yard is exactly what it sounds like: two yards of fabric. But, what sounds simple is actually one of the most versatile things to carry with you.
Common Uses of a Two-Yard
When you see a woman walking around with a baby on her back, it’s being held there with two-yard. The woman will lean forward and position the baby on her back; the babies quickly gain the instinct to hold on. Then, while still leaning forward, the woman will wrap the fabric around her and the baby. She then tucks and turns the top of the fabric out in front, as if you were wrapping a towel around you after a bath, but rather than tucking in, it goes out. At this point, she’ll straighten up and grab the bottom two corners of the two-yard and tie them in a half-square knot, tucking the ends in.
Even when they aren’t carrying babies, many women have a two-yard wrapped around their waist. It get used for wiping sweat or hands, covering up when it’s windy or chilly, as a way to hide money and numerous other things.
These handy pieces of fabric are also used extensively in the home. Rather than towels, which are thick and can take a long time to dry in the humid, tropical air, a two-yard is used to dry off after bathing. When it’s too hot to put on clothes, tie the corners of a two-yard together and twist it over your head into a halter-like dress. Get a bit chilly at night? Pull your two-yard up and snuggle down underneath.
I love the concept of two-yards and have a couple handy around the house. They are a great way to inject some of the local colors and prints into your life.