1. Gumboots:
- The essential element is a pair of ankle-high gumboots, usually black rubber boots.
- They are sturdy and durable, making them suitable for the rigorous stomping and rhythmic patterns.
- Some dance groups enhance their gumboots with decorations like colored laces or reflective tape for striking visual effects.
2. Miners' Attire:
- The dance has strong connections to the historical experience of migrant miners in South Africa.
- Male dancers typically wear overalls or work coveralls, which symbolize the miners' workwear.
3. Basotho Blankets:
- Dancers wrap themselves in vibrant and patterned Basotho blankets.
- These blankets are commonly used as attire by the Basotho people of southern Africa.
- The colorful wraps add an aesthetic element to the dance and create distinct visual patterns when dancers move in synchrony.
4. Shirts:
- Traditionally, dancers wore long-sleeved shirts underneath the overalls or blankets.
- These shirts can be plain, stripped, or have check patterns.
5. Headgear:
- Some dance groups incorporate traditional Zulu headgear like the "Isicholo," a woven headband, or the "Indlamu," a head ring made of beads.
- Other dancers may wear caps, beanies, or doeks (headscarves) to complete their costumes.
6. Accessories:
- Accessories such as belts, scarves, wristbands, and leg bands can add individual style and flair to the costumes.
7. Color Coordination:
- Dance groups often coordinate their costumes with harmonious colors and patterns to create a visually appealing spectacle during the synchronized dance routines.
It's important to note that while these are common elements of gumboots costumes, regional variations and artistic interpretations can lead to diverse styles and adaptations.