In recent times bold prints, riotous colours, sleek Safari and chunky African inspired jewellery have been seen from haute couture to high street fashion chains. Undoubtedly each piece of African fabric from across the continent has a story to tell. For example the lavish waistcoats of Tunisia are decorated with fish, birds, flowers and crescent patterns to bring luck to a bride and groom and ensure fertility.
The Isidwaba is a pleated skirt made of cowhide and softened by hand for Zulu women.
The Toghu by the North Western people of Cameroon is material with different hand woven motifs usually telling a story about the particular tribe in the area. The traditional colours include black and patterns woven in orange, red and yellow. It is symbolically worn on special occasions by very important personalities such as a chief. Nowadays however it is accessible to all.
The batik (called wax in Nigeria, cicam in Cameroon and Ankara by some other West Africans) is a wax resist dyeing technique used on textile. Its meanings are rooted to the Javanese idea of the universe and it is predominantly made in indigo, dark brown and white with certain patterns reserved for royals. These fabrics are found in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Mali, the Caribbean Islands and Cameroon to name a few.
the silk thread decoration on the stunning 'Asherah Nahuak' which is worn on the third day of wedding celebrations in Egypt, and is said to represent the colours of ripening dates which in turn are presented as gifts to ensure the fertility of the bride and groom.
The Kente in Ghana is a sacred and royal silk woven clothe worn in times of extreme importance.
The Asoke (pronounce Ashoke) cloth which is crafted by the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria is very sturdy and is mostly reserved for religious rituals, funerals, and very formal occasions.
The Isidwaba is a pleated skirt made of cowhide and softened by hand for Zulu women.
The Toghu by the North Western people of Cameroon is material with different hand woven motifs usually telling a story about the particular tribe in the area. The traditional colours include black and patterns woven in orange, red and yellow. It is symbolically worn on special occasions by very important personalities such as a chief. Nowadays however it is accessible to all.
The batik (called wax in Nigeria, cicam in Cameroon and Ankara by some other West Africans) is a wax resist dyeing technique used on textile. Its meanings are rooted to the Javanese idea of the universe and it is predominantly made in indigo, dark brown and white with certain patterns reserved for royals. These fabrics are found in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Mali, the Caribbean Islands and Cameroon to name a few.
the silk thread decoration on the stunning 'Asherah Nahuak' which is worn on the third day of wedding celebrations in Egypt, and is said to represent the colours of ripening dates which in turn are presented as gifts to ensure the fertility of the bride and groom.
So next time you buy a piece of clothe, stop to think about its origin, the signifance of the prints and the texture before you release your cash :-).
No comments:
Post a Comment