Winter Calls For Balaclavas

For the uninitiated, the balaclava is that woollen hat that goes down to the neck and has an aperture that shows the outline of the face only. At some Chinese shops in Francistown's main mall, the balaclavas on display have three openings in a triangular shape for the two eyes and the mouth. But the ones at Pep Stores and Knock Out can show only the eyes and bridge of the nose when rolled down.

The balaclava used to be a garb of choice in days gone by when a village elder would put it on, and then, with his spora (traditional wooden chair) under his arm and a walking stick in the other hand, he would saunter to the Kgotla for that all important meeting. It was also ideal for long journeys, especially in open trucks where the wearer will pull it down to the neck and for good measure put on broad-rimmed goggles as well to fend off rushing wind from the eyes.