What is a "kaross"?

A kaross is a type of blanket or cloak made from animal skins, often used by indigenous people in southern Africa. The skins used to make a kaross can vary depending on the region but commonly include antelope, leopard, or seal. To create a patchwork design, the skins are stitched together using animal sinew or modern thread. Karosses were traditionally used for warmth and as bedding but were also worn as a form of clothing, particularly by hunters and warriors. Today, karosses are still used in some rural communities but are also prized as works of art and sold to collectors worldwide.