African Wax Fabrics
African fabrics are made with cotton and are breathable, keeping you cool in hot climates. They are also insulating, keeping you warm in cold climates.
Often sold by the yard or 6 yards, fabric companies print their name, product and registration number on the selvage. Some patterns are named after personalities, cities, buildings, sayings and occasions.
1. African Wax Print
African wax print fabrics have been making waves in fashion around the world. Vibrant colors and patterns are the trademarks of this unique textile and many designers have been experimenting with different designs. This fabric has also found its way into home decor, accessories and more. However, it is important to remember that these fabrics are not always made in Africa or designed by Africans themselves. In fact, they are actually European-made textiles that certain African countries have embraced and made their own.
Wax prints were first introduced to Africa by the Netherlands. The Dutch were heavily involved in trading and colonising the African continent during this time. They imported a technique from Indonesia (then called the Dutch East India) that involved applying intricate designs to cloth using beeswax. The coloured areas of the waxed cloth would then resist the dyes which were applied later. This process was adapted to Africa and eventually mass-produced by the Dutch textile company Vlisco.
The waxed-printed cotton soon became synonymous with African culture and tradition. The motifs and colours could reflect tribes, marriage and social status. Many African women even used the fabric as a non-verbal form of communication.
Today, African wax print is still produced locally and exported worldwide. It is often combined with other traditional and modern materials to produce bold and exciting designs. These fabrics have been featured in the work of artists like Yinka Shonibare, Seydou Keita and Malick Sidibe.
2. African Kente
The African Kente fabric is a symbol of pride in heritage. It has been passed from father to son and mother to daughter like a treasured family heirloom. Today, the woven patterns of this cloth have become a popular fashion statement. They are even worn for formal occasions much as Westerners wear tuxedos or evening gowns. Authentic kente is expensive to produce and has a high cultural significance. This is because each color and design pattern has its own meaning and significance that reflect Asante culture and values.
Kente is a type of weaving known for its bold colors and geometric patterns. It is a traditional textile of the Asante kingdom in Ghana, West Africa. It n24 100% cotton african wax fabrics originated in the seventeenth century under the leadership of chief Oti Akenten, although historians have noted that the kente we know and love today developed from various weaving traditions that existed in West Africa at that time.
As a result of its popularity, kente has spread beyond the borders of Ghana and is now enjoyed around the world. It is particularly popular in the United States, where it has become a symbol of African and African-American identity. This expansion has increased demand, and it has also increased competition with weavers in Ghana. As a result, printed kente has been gaining in popularity, but weavers such as Asare are leading a renaissance of the woven textile.
3. African Mudcloth
Mudcloth is a type of handmade Malian cotton fabric that’s dyed with fermented mud. It’s often used for clothing, bedding, and home decor. Its earthy colors and designs have a long history in African culture. It’s also a great way to add a bit of African flair to any outfit.
The word mudcloth derives from the Malian language Bambara and comes from the three words: Bogo, which means earth or mud, lan, which is the meaning of “with,” and fini, which is cloth. The mud is collected from riverbeds and allowed to ferment for over a year before being used to create the fabric. The mud is mixed with vegetation and water to produce different colors, which is why the mudcloth is so unique. The designs on the mudcloth are often symbolic and may represent social status, proverbs, or historical events.
Making mudcloth is a time-consuming process. The fabric is first woven on a loom by skilled artisans. Then, the mudcloth is treated with a dye made from boiled leaves and bark. It’s then dried in the sun and painted with a n24 100% cotton african wax fabrics unique mud mixture that’s crafted using a variety of natural ingredients like bark and roots.
Traditionally, mudcloth was only available in black with white designs, but new artists have been experimenting with brighter colors. The rust color is particularly popular among hunters and the Fulani people because it doesn’t show dirt and represents strong supernatural powers.
4. African Canvas
African Canvas fabric is a modern version of traditional Ankara fabrics. It features bold colors, stunning sceneries, and untamed wildlife. In addition, African Canvas prints celebrate the culture of Africa and its traditional values. These images highlight the beauty of native-set landscapes and lifestyles and encourage everyone to be proud of their heritage.
This versatile fabric is a perfect choice for both casual and formal interiors. You can use it to create a colorful, lively sitting room arrangement or to add a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Moreover, it can be used to decorate kitchens and dining rooms. The African Canvas fabric by n24 is made with the highest quality cotton, which ensures that it will last for a long time.
Besides African paintings, bimago shop has many other categories of interesting wall decorations with various themes. Its huge offer guarantees that everybody will find a design, which fits his sitting room arrangements perfectly. In addition, we have several dozen of different triptych art and canvas art sets. They present a new dimension of the wall decoration and provide more possibilities of arrangement than single-piece decorations.
The multicolored wall decorations will enlighten your apartment, while those created in more subtle colors will give it more chick look. If you decide to choose this type of decor, it’s important to make sure that you’ve selected a color scheme that matches the rest of your home.
