There is no dearth of individuals who are simply in love
with African fabrics and textiles, especially African wax print textiles that
come in chic patterns and bright colors, which are mostly used to make bags.
However, there are not many people in the world who are aware of the rich
history behind the development of African Fabric. As the name goes, we all
believe that African fabrics originated in Africa, but history says that the
style of batik that is used to produce this fabric didn’t originate in Africa.
Rather the technique comes from Indonesia and was later adapted by the Dutch
people.
The Dutch perfected the art and since they could not find
a suitable market nearby, they went over to western parts of Africa to sell it.
Finding the right product, the locals of West Africa adapted the technique and
did give a unique African touch, which later was loved by people all over the
world. Since the art was perfected in Africa, and due to the slave trade, the African
cultural history along with African textiles made its way to the United States.
In Africa men usually weaved the cloth, while women were given the task to spin
and dye the yarn. So while the weaving looks more masculine, the colors and
textures got a more feminist touch. The three most common types of African Fabrics, which include Aso Oke fabric, Mud Cloth and African Tie Dye have
equally interesting facts surrounding them.
The Aso Oke Cloth was actually reserved by the Yoruba
people in Nigeria for funerals, religious functions and other formal occasions.
The olden versions of the fabric are characterized by the holes all over the
fabric while the modern variants feature rayon threads weaved on a background
of silk cotton.
The Mud Cloth, also known as Bogolan is a traditional
Malian cotton fabric that as the name suggests is dyed using fermented mud.
While the cloth holds a significant position in the Malian culture, it is
exported in different parts of the world for use in fashion and decoration. The
technique of producing the cloth is associated with many Malian groups, but the
most famous one, which is also used around the world, came from Bambaran group.
On the other hand the Adire or African Tie Dye textile is
associated with Nigeria. The indigo dyed cloth is still made in western parts
of Nigeria by Yoruba women. The best part of the textile, for which it is
renowned in the entire world, is that it is made using resist dye techniques.
