24/01/2020
The History of African fabrics and prints
African fabrics and prints with its distinctive design, beautiful patterns and bright colours have in the last century been worn by African women with pride. These hand-made African clothes with its rich cultural meaning were traditionally worn for a significant occasion such as weddings and family gatherings.
In Africa the fabric and prints, in fact symbolizes different groups of people - their cultural heritage and identity. The different fabrics is a pride of Africa and play a significant part in promoting African culture. African fabrics and prints are today an everyday clothing and is gaining popularity all over the world.
Ankara – Nigeria
The Ankara print is probably the most well-known print, formely known as the Dutch wax print by the African Print Dutch Company Vlisco. Originally, Ankara was manufactured by the Dutch for the Indonesian textile market, however the prints gained significantly more interest in West African countries because of the tribal like patterns.
Kente – Ghana
The Kente print is a bright coloured, inked material with different patterns and designs. The fabric is known as “nwentom” in the Akan - ethnic group of South Ghana. Kente fabric is silk and cotton material made of interwoven cloth strips. Originally, the Kente was manufactured in yellow and green. Nowadays, the fabric is in different colours and designs without losing the Kente pattern.
Shweshwe – South Africa
Shweshwe is a printed dyed cotton fabric generally used in the traditional South African Clothing. Traditonally, the Shweshwe print was specifically used for weddings and family functions and was only made in three colours – brown, red and blue. The fabric is today produced in a variety of colours and printing design characterized by sophisticated geometric patterns.
Baoule – Côte d'Ivoire
The Baoule is woven in five-inch wide strips of fabric. In order to produce the fabric the strips are then sewn together. The hand-woven cloth is thick and heavy and it is primarily used for dresses, design bags, shoes and African shirt for men.
Chitenge - Zambia
The Chitenge fabric also known as Kitenge, is a fabric similar to a sarong. For the most part, it is worn by women and wrapped around the chest or waist, used as headscarf, or as a baby sling. Chitenge is thick cloth that has an edging on only the long side with bold and bright colours.
