In the African context, costumes and ornaments serve not just for protection against the changes in weather patterns and for beauty, but they also act as identity markers and status symbols. They are markers and symbols depending on the materials they are made of, their colour, patterns, their shape and form, and the part of the body they are worn on. All these communicate information about the wearer, to members of the community.

Costumes are outfits worn on the body by a person to protect them from the changing weather conditions. They are also referred to as body covers in relation to the primary function they serve. Costumes are a cultural visual of the people. They pass on a message about the wearer.    

In the African context, the costumes include everyday wear as well as those worn during ceremonies. Examples of costumes include: front aprons, skirts, cloaks and headgears.